Alter Guild
The Altar Guild has the responsibility for ensuring the altar and surrounding areas have the correct linens and the credence table is set with the required items. They are responsible for laying the vestments out for the clergy and cleaning the altar after the services. Additionally, the Altar Guild washes and presses every linen which is used during the services.
Acolyte
There are three positions available for young people who want to serve their church. The first is Torch Bearer and you must be 10 years old to become one. The second position is the Crucifer. You must be at least 13 years old to carry the heavy cross. The third position is Thurifer, which caries the thurible (the incense). You must be at least 15 years old to be a thurifer. The acolytes have the most important job to perform at the 10:30 AM service every week. They are responsible for leading the processional party into the church and up to the altar. The Torch Bearers carry the torches for the Gospel lesson. After the service is complete the Thurifer, Crucifer and Torch Bearers lead the party into the back of the church.
Daughters of the King
The Daughters of the King is a religious order for women in the Episcopal church. We who are members of the St. Margaret of Scotland chapter at St. Barnabas consider our membership to be a holy calling. After a period of training, new members participate in a formal induction ceremony, and vow to follow the two Rules of the Order: the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service.
Prayer is at the center of who we are. We pray regularly for our clergy, every member of the parish, and anyone else who asks us to pray. You may submit prayer requests to [email protected] or by clicking here. These requests are not read aloud at the Prayers of the People during church services but will be kept confidential within the Daughters.
From September through May, we meet on the second Saturday of the month in the parish hall beginning at 10:00 a.m. During the summer months, we do not have official meetings, but instead meet for lunch and social time.
Our regular meetings vary in content. We have built an outdoor labyrinth, had book studies, held a mother-daughter tea, hosted Advent and Lenten Quiet Days for the parish, and hosted guest speakers on topics such as church architecture and sacred music. We have had several weekend retreats at the diocesan retreat center, Camp All Saints, on Lake Texoma. Members have participated in larger gatherings of Daughters, including the annual Fall and Spring Assemblies, the Provincial (multi-state) Assembly, and the National Triennial.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Daughters of the King at St. Barnabas, please contact Maureen Saringer, President, at [email protected]. For more information about the national organization, visit the DOK National website.
Peace be with you.
Lay Reader
It is the responsibility of the readers to read the Old Testament reading, A Psalm and then the Epistle reading. At both services, the Lay Reader leads the congregation in The Prayers of the People.
LEM’s
The LEM position requires adults over the age of 21 to serve on the altar. The LEM’s primary responsibility is to assist the priest in all duties on the altar. This includes passing out and receiving the collection plates, working from the credence table and administering the chalice during communion. At the 8:30 AM Sunday Service, one LEM is a server and handles all duties, while the 11:00 AM service requires two LEMs.
Ushers
The Ushers are responsible at both services to arrive early, greet each person entering the church and to pass out the bulletins. Additionally, they are responsible for encouraging visitors to sign the guest book and make them feel welcomed. At the 11:00 service, the Ushers must bring the elements and collection plates up to the altar at the appropriate time.
