Acolyte Guide

St. Stephanus Lutheran Church: Acolyte Guide

What is the point?

The point of your service is to bring celebration (we light candles at a birthday party), reverence (we light candles at memorial sites), and anticipation (candlelight dinners). In short, you set the visual table for worship.

Who am I?

You are a worship leader. You are not just doing some "cute" errand for the church. You are contributing to the worship life of our church and are, thus, a leader in worship. Therefore, please dress and act appropriately. No gum chewing. Keep the robes on at all times during the worship service. No talking back and forth. No shut hymnals. Rather, sing, participate, look and act your best. Why? To give glory to God and to honor your parents and all those who worship with you who have come to appreciate you.

What do I do?

Mark your appointed time on the home calendar. Remind mom and dad, if you have to.
Be in the altar guild room at 10 minutes before worship begins (if you are not there, pastor panics and we have to find someone to acolyte. I need to be centering my soul and spirit to lead worship, not search for your replacement!)
Put on the robes.
Check the wick. Replace if you have to. You may have to "melt it out" by holding a flame in the bend of the tube, while pulling on the wick.
Ask pastor if there is anything unique about the service.
Wait until the organ begins to play (usually about 5 minutes before the service begins). Exit the doors. Watch the fans in the summer time.
Light the candles (more below).
Sit down in the second pew on the pulpit side, sliding your sticks under the pew. Worship with us actively.
Participate in communion (more below).
When we begin to sing the closing hymn, extinguish the candles, and exit the doors.
Hang up your robe neatly. Place the sticks back.

How do I light the candles?

Walk out in pairs, bowing at the front step together and approaching the altar together. After the candles have been lit, wait for your partner to finish so that you can go back to the front step and bow together before taking your seat.

How do I assist with Communion?

When the other assistants come out, join them in standing where they stand. General rule of thumb is to stand wherever they stand (beginning and ending of communion). Receive communion, if you've received instruction. Collect the individual cups, going to the altar and asking for a replacement tray when yours is full. Always follow the pastor. When distribution is complete, join the other assistants at the altar and leave when they leave. As they exit the doors, you will join your partner in the pew and wait for the closing hymn in order to extinguish the candles.