Bishop thanks Diocesan Altar Guild members for their service

Diocesan Altar Guild members met at Christ Church Bells Corners (CCBC) on Oct. 14 for their annual meeting and lunch.

Sheila Dunlop and CCBC’s Altar Guild welcomed everyone with coffee, tea, and muffins before a worship service.

Bishop Shane Parker led the Holy Eucharist and was assisted by Rev. Margo Whittaker. Kellina Gehrels provided the music for the service.

Bishop Shane’s homily spoke of St. Teresa of Ávila. He said she had a wild youth, entered a monastery and prayed for a religious experience which she received! She underwent a transverberation of the heart (a mystical grace wherein a Saint’s heart was pierced with a “dart of love” by an angel) and became filled with love for God. She went on to be a spiritual leader and reformer. He further spoke about Elijah when he was hiding and in fear for his life. God was sad and alone and was told to wait for the passing of the Lord … He was not in the wind, earthquake or fire but in the silence. Bishop Shane observed that our altar guilds work alone in the silence, as it is a time of prayer, and find great joy in the silence.

A short business meeting was held after the service. Debbie Tweedle advised the group that in the future priestly vestments collected at Diocesan Altar Guild annual general meetings will be delivered to and stored at the Cathedral. The Ven. Linda Hill will coordinate the distribution of items to diocesan deacons and priests. Altar supplies can continue to be brought to the AGM for members to take back to their parishes. Sandra Clark, the guild treasurer, presented her report and asked for suggestions for the free will offering. The Altar Guild members voted to donate the monies to the Family Service Association of Churches.

Guest speaker Archdeacon Kathryn Otley provided a wonderful presentation called Sacred Sanctuaries in the Holy Land using pictures from her pilgrimage with the bishop and others to the Holy Land.

We look forward to getting together again in 2024 when St. Clare, Winchester will be our host.