DID YOU KNOW? The word "acolyte" comes from the Greek word "akolouthos" which means a servant or attendant who waits on another. The Acolyte ministry originated from Old Testament times.

The Scriptures tell us of the prophet Samuel assisting Eli the priest and of Eli being assisted by Elisha. The New Testament illustrates early Christian adoption of this custom, which has been carried forward to the present day. The Acolyte assists priests and deacons so that worshipers may celebrate the Holy Eucharist and other rites of the Church with simple dignity. In fact, the Book of Common Prayer states, "At all celebrations of the Liturgy, it is fitting that the principal celebrant...be assisted by other priests, and by deacons and lay persons." The preceding is taken, with permission from the Burton Parish Episcopal Church in Williamsburg, VA.

At St. Luke's we have a small, but active acolyte guild. We serve at the Sunday Morning services as well as special occasions such as Christmas, Easter or whenever requested.
In the fall, winter and spring months we like to have outings for fun and fellowship.

This is an important ministry and is open to all members of St. Luke's. If you are interested in serving, please contact Mike Jackson at 652-5137.

Altar Guild
Carla Stadtmiller

If you are looking for a ministry of service to St. Luke's congregation, consider the Altar Guild. Guild members give a little of their time each month to prepare and clean the altar for services. We meet once every other month on a Saturday morning for worship and fellowship. We'd love to have you join us.

This very important group of women has been serving St. Luke's for many, many years. At present, it seems most women in the church are working at full-time jobs and are not willing or able give up time for this group. Here are the activities and services ECW has provided at St. Luke's:

1. Buy and assemble one or more Christmas or Thanksgiving baskets for needy families selected by Fr. Waddingham.

2. Provide financial help for books to any seminary student who comes from St. Luke¹s.

3. In 2006, ECW purchased new stainless steel place settings for use at parish dinners.

4. ECW has traditionally served and often prepared meals or refreshments for receptions after weddings, funerals and other events and celebrations at the church.

5. The United Thank Offering ingathering was handled by a chairman from the membership of ECW. ECW received notice that we will henceforth have to pay for the blue boxes, which heretofore have been provided to us free of charge.

6. ECW provides Forward Day By Day to the church.

7. ECW contributes $30 each month to Friendship House.

8. ECW provides funds to dress two children through the Salvation Army's program to clothe children at Christmas. Members have volunteered to take the children shopping for these clothes.

9. ECW gives a Christmas contribution to Fr. Waddingham¹s discretionary fund.

10. Funds for these outreach programs are obtained through bake sales at the church, the Sunshine Fund (one dollar from each member at each meeting) and luncheons after the Wednesday Communion.

In the last few years we have lost so many members to death or illness, there were only about nine faithful members left for a time. The baby of the bunch was 72. Meetings have traditionally been held the third Wednesday of the month at 1:15 p.m., after Communion. However, several women have now joined us in this ministry, and the time has been changed to the last Saturday morning of each month. Money raising efforts could change. What doesn't change are the needs that the ECW has met for so many years.

Episcopal, Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United Stares. An independent 501(C) (3) organization. ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. ERD's programs work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disaster. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Anyone in the in the parish is encouraged to submit an article of news or up-coming event relating to the church, by the 25th of each month.

Summer 2010 Schedule

Ushers are a vital ministry at any church. Customarily, the usher will be the first church member a worshiper meets at the door. Ushers are especially important when visitors or perspective members come to worship the first time.

The people providing this service at St. Luke's do a great job. They greet all worshipers, pass out bulletins and, at the Offertory, take the Communion elements to the altar before passing the the collection plate to the congregation. They are also responsible for counting attendance and straightening up the church after the service.

At present, our ushers serve only once every two months. We can always use more volunteers. It is one way to serve our Lord and it also gives one the opportunity to meet more fellow members. If you would like to serve in this way, please call Durwood Johnson at 656-4872.

Instructions for Ushers

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the service and greet each person who arrives. During the service, take a HEAD COUNT and enter it on the slip to be put in the collection plate or give to Fr. Jasmer after church. At the end of the service, please pick up the bulletins and straighten the books and kneelers.

If any of the hearing devices are used during the service, remind the user(s) to leave them with you after church.

If you cannot serve on the date appointed, please try to trade with someone on the list. Thank you for serving as ushers.

Durwood Johnson, Head Usher

This ministry is presently being neglected. St. Luke's needs a few people to call on new members and local visitors to take them a bag of "goodies", which has been assembled for that purpose. It is very discouraging to attend church for the first time and not be acknowledged in any way for your interest. Two or three people can easily handle this ministry. It was the practice in the recent past for two people to call on all new members or interested visitors, but one can make the visit.

If you are interested in this service, please call Kay Johnson at 656-4872.