Description
Book Synopsis• An acolyte resource for the 21st-century Episcopal Church • Fully illustrated (black-and-white) with reproducible handouts Despite the changing landscape of the Episcopal Church, one ministry that continues but gets little attention is that of acolytes. Whether second graders or adults, the mentoring and training of acolytes is a formational experience. I Serve at God’s Altar offers a simplified theology of how God is met in worship and how it affects the lives of those most engaged in it, a visual exploration of the Episcopal liturgy and its history through extensive illustrations, how acolytes fit into the work of the church in worship, and how worship affects the acolyte’s discernment for ministry and Rule of Life. Illustrations include a visual exploration of church artifacts (crosses, candles, Eucharistic vessels, etc.), holds, and processes to set a standard of expectation and expertise in service according to Episcopal practice and tradition. There is a section of reproducible handouts for organizing an acolyte ministry at every size church, including scheduling, communications, installation liturgies, recruitment plans, and training outlines.
Trade Review"I Serve at God's Altar encompasses all the necessary tools needed to educate, empower, and train acolytes. Everything you need is here: church history, liturgical theology, guided retreats and workshops, visual graphics, an in-depth liturgical glossary, and much more. This book takes seriously the role and privilege of serving at God's altar, without forgetting that our service is meant to be a joyous and life-giving spiritual practice. Roger and Sharon never lose sight that all the teaching, training, and ritual is intended to praise, worship, and glorify God."
––The Rev. Carlos de la Torre, Southwest Region Missionary, Episcopal Church in Connecticut
"This book is overdue. We have had manuals and customaries over the years that tell an acolyte how to do their ministry. This book not only does that with current relevant language but also explains the why."
––Claude "Duke" DuTeil, training advisor for the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church and retired Head Verger, Washington National Cathedral
"I Serve at God's Altar is a clear and informative guide for those who work with acolytes, helping them prepare for and be present in the service. This is a great gift for acolytes and anyone working with young people who are serving at God's altar."
––Duana Cisney, acolyte mentor and author of Cross Words: A Devotional for Youth
"Equal parts inspiration and information, this book is an essential foundational resource for anyone who seeks to encourage the ministry of the acolyte. For acolytes––youth and adult––who wish to grow in their ministry, this book will help all to embody their fullest potential."
––Lisa Brown, Director of Digital Ministry for Membership Vision
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Chapter 1: A New Order
Chapter 2: Why We Serve
Chapter 3: How We Worship
Chapter 4: An Instructed Eucharist in Word and Image
Chapter 5: Artifacts and Memorials
Chapter 6: Movements and Standards
Chapter 7: Building an Order
Chapter 8: An Acolyte's Way of Life
Appendix: Making This Work
• The Ministry of the Acolyte
• Crafting Your Way of Life
• Crafting Your Program Mission Statement
• Mapping Out Your Choreography
• Administrative Helps
• A Sample Acolyte Retreat
• A Guided Eucharist
• A Visual Tour Guide for Acolytes
• The Choreography of Processions
• Church Manners for Acolytes
• Your Preworship Checklist
• Movements and Standards
• Censing and Bell Ringing
• The Holy Eucharist (Poster)
• Debriefing Your Service
• Commissioning Service
• An Order of Worship Game
• Acolyte Prayers
