Celebrating Our Acolyte Ministry

Marilyn Grantham, Valerie Matthews and the Rev. Blair Pogue commissioned our acolytes last Sunday. Marilyn and Valerie serve as St. Matthew's acolyte coaches. We asked Marilyn and Valerie to share their thoughts on this important ministry:

What does an acolyte do? Marilyn: They assist with the worship service ...light and extinguish the candles, lead the processions, assist the clergy in setting the Eucharistic table, hand the offering plates to the ushers and receive the offering, taking to the clergy for blessing. Traditionally, serving as an acolyte is the beginning step in becoming actively involved in the church.
-Marilyn Grantham and acolytes 

And what is required of the youth who serve? Marilyn: First, that they ... and their parents ... want them to serve. They are interested in becoming involved and learning what is necessary to carry out the duties of an acolyte. Second, acolytes need to be willing to learn their responsibilities, to take direction from the acolyte coaches and the clergy, and to serve on a regular basis. Third, acolytes should be willing to grow in their faith and pay attention to the service. It's a big leap from sitting in the pew with your family ... where you can quietly do other things rather than listen to and follow the service. To be an acolyte you have to learn to listen and follow the service so that you know when you are to be actively involved.

What does the term "acolyte" mean?  Valerie: Acolyte means "one who serves" An acolyte serves God through his/her service in the church. There are usually three acolytes serving simultaneously. They are referred to as crucifer and torchbearers. A crucifer's primary role is to carry the cross and lead the procession. The acolyte torchbearers  are servers who carry the torch during the procession.

How were you called to serve in this ministry? Valerie: Growing up as a young child in the church I had great mentors and role models  who shaped my spiritual life and I am thrilled to "pay it forward" working with children and young adults here at St. Matthew's.  Marilyn: I'm smiling at the question of how I was called to this ministry. I'm an adult educator by profession and have generally not gotten involved in youth-oriented church activities. Blair asked Valerie and I to work with the acolytes. My reaction (not shared!) was "Who ... me???" But the funny thing is that I've grown to love working with the kids ... all three of my grandchildren live away from here, the two youngest in Germany. I can't have the kind of "gramma" relationship with them that I'd like to have, so the acolytes are kind of my "surrogate grandkids." 
 
Are there any favorite memories or stories you can share? Valerie: One of the memorable moments I would like to share: During  one service shortly before the Eucharist one of my junior acolytes said "I am hungry."  I replied, "the bread will be served soon."   Marilyn: One warm summer Sunday, we had three girls serving and I was sitting on the acolyte bench at the high altar with them. During the sermon I glanced to my right and noticed that one was braiding another's hair. I decided it was probably best not to make a fuss about it. When I mentioned it to another adult later, the comment was "well, three strands of hair in the braid ... represents the Trinity."
- Valerie Matthews & Charli Gordon     

The Rev. Blair Pogue shared her appreciation for those involved in our acolyte ministry: "I am so grateful to Marilyn Grantham and Valerie Matthews for bringing our acolyte ministry to a new level. They both have a deep affection and respect for the children and young adults of St. Matthew's including the youth they work with -- which shows through. They have also reached out to younger children, which has been important and a delight. In this day and age children are very busy, and both Marilyn and Valerie put a lot of time into scheduling and working with the acolytes at times that work for them.

I am also so grateful to the parents of our acolytes, without whom this ministry would not be possible. They are the ones who often communicate with Marilyn and Valerie and get the acolytes to church and trainings on time. Finally, it is a joy to work with the acolytes in our morning service. Their work is important, and a way for them to offer their gifts to God and be immersed in liturgical worship. We have a lot of fun behind the scenes, and I am grateful for their dedication."
 
Theodicy Jazz Collective: A Video

Here is a short preview of the Theodicy Jazz Collective who will join us at St. Matthew's on Saturday, April 23. (click on the arrow to hear and see more!) The video shows their work with Canterbury Cathedral a few years back.  A workshop will take place from 3:30-5:30pm and Vespers at 5:30pm.  All are welcome!
  Taize candles
Easter Taize Service: This Sunday, March 17 
 By Lisa Wiens Heinsohn
 
After recognizing that our community loves the healing and contemplative nature of Taize services, and honoring the Sunday evening ministry's DNA as an experimental place we can try new things, we've decided that once per liturgical season we will have a Taize service on Sunday nights instead of the usual Sunday evening service of night prayer + eucharist. The Eastertide Taize service will be at 5:30pm on Sunday April 17. In the fall we will update you about Taize services for the next program year. All are welcome - and we hope to see you at the drop in dinner afterward as well!
Confirmation Class
 
Anyone interested in being Confirmed, Received into the Episcopal Church or Reaffirming their faith at St. Mark's Cathedral on Saturday, May 14 at 10:00am is invited to join Rector Blair Pogue in the Library on 4 consecutive Wednesdays, April 20 & 27 and May 4 & 11 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm to explore Christian theology,  the Episcopal approach to faith and worship, Episcopal history, polity, the Anglican Communion, and the spiritual practices comprising the Way of Jesus. If you are not interested in being Confirmed, Received, or Reaffirming your faith, but are interested in what we will be discussing, you are welcome to take the class. If you plan to participate or have any questions please contact Blair at rector@stmatthewsmn.org.  
Mother's Tea Blue House Fundraiser: May 7   
By Marilyn Grantham, HMI Fundraising Board Member

The first Mothers' Tea Blue House Fundraiser ... to remember the girls who no longer have mothers ... was such a success last year, we decided to repeat it.  The beautiful and tasty array of goodies, several varieties of tea to taste, the music (by Sweet Rhubarb, a music-making trio of women from St. Anthony Park) were worthy of an English high tea at Downton Abbey!  The event is also an opportunity to hear the latest news about the Blue House girls.

Put Saturday, May 7 (the Saturday before Mothers' Day) from 10 am to Noon at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church (2323 Como Avenue) on your calendar.  The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children.  Tickets on sale at St. Matthew's coffee hours on April 17, 24, and May 1.  Buy tickets for the whole family ... Moms, Grandmas, daughters and granddaughters, Dads, Grandpas, sons and grandsons. For more information, click here

We'd love to have donations from our wonderful St. Matthew's cooks and bakers of goodies to serve at the tea, such as mini-cupcakes, scones, finger sandwiches and the like.  If you can contribute, please contact  Marilyn Grantham or 651 644-5422.651 644-5465
To learn more about the band, click on Sweet Rhubarb shown at right.  
Looking Ahead: Calendar Highlights
  • April 17: Faith Forum on Faith and Finances, 9:15am
  • April 17: Easter Taize Service, 5:30pm
  • April 20: Confirmation Class at 7:00pm, continuing on 3 consecutive Wednesdays, April 27, May 4 and 11.
  • April 23: Jazz and Gospel Workshop, 3:30pm and Vespers, 5:30pm with the Rev. Andy Barnett and the Theodicy Jazz Collective.
  • April 29-30: Women's Retreat at the Riverwood Conference Center
  • May 7: Mother's Tea for the Blue House, SAP Lutheran Church, 10:00am
  • May 15: Pentecost!
 
Please share your news and photos with us: tidings@stmatthewsmn.org 

Visit our website for the prayer list, calendar and sermons