Altar Guild and Flower Committee

The Altar Guild is responsible for the upkeep of the altar. Guild members prepare the oblations (the bread and wine, the paten and chalices) before Holy Communion services, and attend to the ablutions afterwards (in preparation for the next service). They also assist with changing the altar hangings on a seasonal basis. (There are nine seasons in the Anglican calendar, and many feast days have special hangings, so this is not an infrequent activity.)

Membership in the Altar Guild is open to any interested parishioner. Previous experience is not required: we’ll give you the training you need.

Flower Committee

As an adjunct to the Altar Guild, the Flower Committee is responsible for providing flower arrangements for the altar on a weekly basis. Flowers are given by parishioners as memorials or thanksgivings. During Advent, the altar is decorated with greens only (except for the Third Sunday, known as Rose Sunday). And during Lent, the altar is not decorated at all, except for the Fourth Sunday, Refreshment Sunday. These seasons of austerity are relieved by the corresponding extravaganzas at Christmas and at Easter. See the galleries below for some examples of the Flower Committee’s work.

As with the Altar Guild, membership in the Flower Committee is open to any interested parishioner. Previous experience is not required: we’ll give you the training you need.