The Adult Acolyte Ministry is an essential and rewarding part of St. Bartholomew’s worship. Serving in this ministry requires simple training, and sessions are planned during the year. Adult acolytes regularly serve the altar during the 8:00am and 11:00am Eucharist every Sunday and routinely during other scheduled liturgies.

This ministry allows for the youth and children to participate as acolytes in the worship service. Those trained and serving as acolytes discover the rhythm and flow of the liturgy and come to understand why we do certain things in certain ways. All children and youth ages 8 to 18 are welcome to serve as youth acolytes. The commitment of serving as a youth acolyte involves attending a basic acolyte training session and to serve reverently and with responsibility and consistency.

Members of the Parish Altar Guild care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services, and clean up afterwards.

Altar Guild sets the altar for Holy Eucharist, counts wafers, polishes silver and makes certain the linens are creased just so. All this is done as an act of hospitality, to create a sacred space that welcomes everyone to the table. Altar Guild is divided into four teams, one for each week of the month. Each team is responsible for all church services during its designated week. The Altar Guild keeps communion kits prepared for Eucharistic Visitors to take to people unable to attend church in person.

Flower Guild members create arrangements for the altar, Inner Narthex, Children’s Chapel, and restrooms, for all designated Sundays, holidays, weddings and funerals. Each member serves once every six weeks and for all major holidays. New members are always welcome.

Adults and youth play important roles in most of our services as lectors, intercessors, and chalice bearers. Representing all members of the parish, Lectors express aloud the assigned scripture lessons of the day, Intercessors lead the prayers of the people, and Eucharistic Ministers serve during the Eucharist. Participants in this ministry receive training and are asked to serve as needed at all three regular Sunday services and at special services.

Linen Guild is a specialized group of altar guild members who take care of all the small linens used at the altar each week, lovingly washing and ironing each piece.

For information about ushers or joining this ministry, please contact the church office at 404-634-3336.

The position of verger originated as the “Protector of the Procession” during the Middle Ages. The Verger led and protected the clergy as they processed to a church or cathedral, carrying a large mace (verge, or staff) to keep away animals and disorderly crowds that might attack the clergy or procession. Since ancient times, the Verger has had many different titles and duties assigned. Today a verger can best be described as a lay assistant to the clergy. Our Vergers oversee preparations for the service and the liturgy and act as a “Master of Ceremonies” in many instances, assisting the clergy in any way needed behind the scenes.