I Serve At God's Altar by Roger Speer

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.

Paperback 

128 Pages

Contributor Bio: ROGER A. SPEER JR. is a graphic designer and educator who has served the Episcopal Church as professional youth minister for 20 years. Involved in the ministry of acolytes since childhood, he has facilitated this ministry at all levels: diocesan and General Convention, international Anglican worship, and acolyte training in Episcopal schools and churches of all sizes, spending a lifetime trying to figure out how best to train and equip acolytes. He is director of student ministry at Church of the Good Shepherd in Augusta, Georgia. Contributor Bio: SHARON ELY PEARSON, a lifelong Episcopalian, grew up when women were not allowed to serve at the altar, but, at the age of 16, she became the first female acolyte in her parish as an acolyte (and one of the first in her diocese). With her husband, she continues as acolyte mentor and trainer. She has more than 35 years of experience as a Christian educator on the local, judicatory, and church-wide level. You can follow her at www.rowsofsharon.com.