This summer I plan to begin a research/writing project on the spiritual dimensions of generativity….generative persons are those who find meaning and joy in the thriving of others[…]
Browsing all articles tagged with ministry
It is a surprise to many people— to learn that the Episcopal Church is present in Europe. But more impressive than the size of our space is the range and diversity of the cultures that make up the congregations […]
NAGA board members and spouses began to gather in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 20 to begin the process of unpacking and setting up the Sacristy at the Convention Center and for the NAGA Triennial meeting […]
As we gain more and more ways to “save” time we are tempted, and often do, involve ourselves in more time-consuming activities […]
Old and craggy, enormous, delicate or just ordinary, our hands are meant to be full with the gift of the love of God […]
have been in every Episcopal sacristy in the state…What’s most striking to me is the variety of spaces that are an integral part of that ministry […]
Nominations are open for Offices for the Triennial years 2024-2027 […]
I was caught off guard when I joined the team as to how spiritual it is to serve on the Flower Guild […]
In The Practicing Congregation, Diana Butler Bass, a church historian by training, distinguishes between custom and tradition […]
I come from a long line of pastors, mostly Presbyterian with an occasional Episcopalian to leaven the loaf. My maternal grandmother was given a recipe for communion bread […]
“People go to church to refocus. Focus on God. What you do for God matters. The altar guild helps us to refocus […]
“For it is better to suffer for doing good if suffering should be God’s will than to suffer for doing evil.” Could suffering ever be God’s will? […]
In the Episcopal Church, aesthetics matter. The surroundings in which worship takes place have their own meaning. In fact, we believe God intends these elements as what I often call “a visible sermon” […]
As a “Free Range Priest,” offering supply coverage primarily for Sunday services only in parishes in two adjacent dioceses, I have a deep appreciation for the ministry of the altar guild in churches I visit […]
Toward the end of The House at Pooh Corner Christopher Robin tells Pooh that what he likes doing best is “nothing.” Most of us don’t have the time to do just nothing as we might have done as children. Perhaps, though we should make the time to do it […]
Having grown up in the Episcopal Church, I have a very early awareness of the significant role altar guilds have in the life of many congregations […]
This story begins with gratitude. St. Mary of the Angels was blessed with a vibrant and dedicated altar guild for many decades. The last five years we gradually experienced a loss of membership […]
We are a community of the altar guild; we are also a community of the Episcopal Church; and we are a community of the Christian faith. More importantly we are part of the Beloved Community. What is the Beloved Community? […]
Both Debie and Dan thanked the altar guild for the work it does. Debie lovingly referred to it as the work of cultivating mystery, beauty, wonder, reverence, artistry and grace […]
We are delighted to present our 2021 NAGA program for July 7, and hope you will be pleased with what has been planned for you […]
It has been such a pleasure to represent you and our legacy of the National Altar Guild Association these last three years […]
NAGA will be holding a short virtual Triennial meeting on July 7. Here is how to register […]
During the anxious moments that have made up the last few months, I have looked to my dogs for spiritual guidance. They are calm, centered, consistent, and joyful […]
A hush in every sacristy, just before we leave it to begin the service. The verger runs through how we will proceed, who will administer bread and where, who will administer wine. Then all stand at attention. It is time to begin […]
The leadership of Province VIII altar guild met to develop a strategic plan to carry us forward into the new decade […]
You don’t expect it to happen at “Gentle Yoga,” of all places. But the other day, as I was standing in line at the YMCA waiting for another class to end […]
When a disaster rolls in, make sure your altar guild is ready! No matter what kind of disaster looms, when it strikes, not only do you lose your personal things, so too does your parish […]
Dolores Miller, March 19, 1932 – January 28, 2019
We pay tribute to a dedicated member of NAGA in an article by Peggy Curlin and Homily by The Rev. Philip G. Emanuel […]
It helps to know who you’re looking for, if you want to find them. I believe the same is true in our spiritual journeys as well. We need to know that we are seeking Jesus. Without that, we probably will not find Him […]
I remember being about nine or ten before I could go with my mother to help with her altar guild duties at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Orlando, FL. I had asked, or rather begged, so many times, always receiving the same answer: “When you are older” […]
The altar guild is a behind-the-scenes ministry, and that can make it an unappreciated ministry. My thanks to Jane Mercer who invited me to share excerpts from my book, Celebrating the Eucharist, to highlight the importance of every altar guild’s ministry […]
My parishioner, Ed, was an electrical engineer. During World War II he worked on a highly secret project involving long-wave radio technology. Later he learned the purpose of the technology he’d helped to perfect […]
“The function of Advent is to remind us what we’re waiting for as we go through life too busy with things that do not matter to remember the things that do” […]
The National Association of Diocesan Altar Guilds had its beginnings over 50 years ago, when, at the 1919 Convention held in Detroit, the National Council of the Episcopal Church was formed […]
It was with great anticipation and a bit of anxiety that I arrived in Austin Friday morning to attend my first Episcopal Convention. Within an hour of my arrival […]
A highlight of the 2018 Triennial was a special visit to NAGA by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on Monday, July 9. At least in the memory of those in attendance, this the first time we have been so honored […]
Demi was listed on our schedule as the “keynote speaker” for the meeting, but her presentation was much more than just a speech. She spent several hours with us […]
My first awareness of the ministry of the altar guild comes from my childhood. I remember my mother regularly excusing herself from life at home to work with other altar guild members[…]
The Episcopal Asset Map is a website that highlights the many ways Episcopalians are living Christ’s love in our communities and in the world […]
The first half of the liturgical year is a mad dash — and nobody knows this more than the altar guild. But once the summer schedule is done and you’ve put up the green frontal, you can pour yourself a glass of wine […]
One of the happiest of ministries is that of wedding guild, but our work would not be possible without the assistance and cooperation of the altar guild […]
To help altar guild members experience the Triennial Eucharist service while learning from colleagues around the country, we have assembled items we believe will bond and motivate altar guilds with clergy at the parish and diocese levels. The proceeds from the sale of these items provide scholarships to attend Triennial […]
While each diocese will have its own particular ideas and needs, our guidelines offer a place to begin. Embrace your DAG with enthusiasm knowing that the Lord himself will guide you along the way […]
Questions are often asked regarding the need for or purpose of a diocesan altar guild. You will be surprised how many resources you can provide […]
Our little parish in Texas was able to foster an interest and gain new team members by inviting the children to help us. Later, several asked me “What exactly did you do?” […]
The spirit in which your altar guild lives ripples out to affect the feel of the whole congregation […]
While it may seem surprising that our church is thriving in a country where religion has been suppressed, there are 44 Episcopal churches across Cuba, from the Cathedral in Havana to simple house churches with five to six people[…]
Archbishop Williams identifies the elements essential to Christian life, those things that make one part of a Christian community. He sees the four most obvious as Baptism, Bible, Eucharist and Prayer […]
While not a substitute for deeper study, this a wonderful book you can give to friends with confidence […]
For Flannery O’Connor, the craft of her art — good stories well told — was an end in itself and a sign of God’s grace […]
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