Enjoy this opportunity to care for God's altar.  Ever notice that "church" is not really "church" until the altar is prepared?  That's because the focus of our worship in church centers on the altar, the focal point representing all that God in Christ has done for us.  Just look at the visual sermons you place in front of the eyes of all those present when you set up His altar:  the cross, candles, Bible, and His body and precious blood all proclaim the message of God's love through Christ.  Enjoy your opportunity to prepare the Table of the Lord for His people to come and worship Him!

Guidelines

Everything you need to set the altar and prepare for Holy Communion should be stored in the kitchen cabinet at the far end of the large sink.  The counter-top can be used to prepare for Holy Communion.  Wine is in the refrigerator, the cabinet, and also in the multi-purpose storeroom.

Before Wednesday’s 6:30 pm and Sunday’s 8am and 10:30am Worship

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled service time to give you plenty of time to check the altar and prepare for Holy Communion.   Note:    Please check to make sure the Offering baskets are back on the altar.  Your basic task for Altar Care will be the preparation for Holy Communion.

• Remove the Communion ware from the cabinet next to the large sink.  Check the refrigerator to see if there are any Communion trays already filled.

• Fill the trays of the individual cups with wine by using the small plastic container or cup with the pointed spout and set them on top of the base tray and place the metal cover over them.  Please fill the cups no more than three quarters full; this helps to eliminate spilling.  Note:  We fill the individual cups with alcoholic wine for Holy Communion, except for the center cup and inner circle where we use the non-alcoholic wine for those who prefer that choice.

• Spray the inside of the chalice (common cup) with the liquid from the purificator spray bottle.  Fill the chalice no more than 1/3 full.

• Spray the purificator napkin (red-cross linen) with the liquid in the purificator bottle and place the cloth over the chalice.

• Line the host basket (the one to contain the wafers) with a clean linen napkin and empty the contents of a package of wafers into the basket.  

• Put Wet Wipes in zip-lock bag and lay on altar next to chalice.

• Carry the Communion items to the altar, along with one extra purificator (small linen napkin) to be used where needed and position the common cup (chalice), host basket, and the Communion trays on the left side of the altar.  (To save a trip, take two white paper napkins along also to put inside the bowls in the two Communion stands.)

• Cover all the communion ware, except the common cup (chalice), with the square white-laced cloth on the altar, and place the chalice to the right of the covered Communion items. The reason for not covering the chalice is to prevent the purificator napkin from sliding into the chalice when Pastor uncovers the Communion ware.

• Place the clean white paper napkin inside the bowls of the two Communion stands at the far ends of the altar area into which the people will place their individual Communion cups.

• Fill two glasses with ice water for the pastor and place them on a napkin inside of podium.   

After the Worship Service

• Fold square white-laced linen and leave it on the altar.

• Take the chalice, trays, host basket, and soiled purificators to the kitchen.  

• Ask the pastor if he would like to drink the remaining consecrated wine in the chalice, if not, empty the remaining wine from the chalice (common cup) outside by pouring its contents on the ground right outside the kitchen door and the clean and dry the chalice.  Note: After the 8am. Sunday worship, you can place the Communion items on the cabinet counter-top in the kitchen instead of inside the cabinet since those responsible for the 10:30am worship will be setting up for that service.

• Place trays with leftover filled individual cups in the top shelf of the refrigerator, making sure to cover with a paper napkin, and clean and dry the other tray(s) and place in cabinet.

• Take any soiled linens, purificators (small linen napkins) home.   Clean, press, and return them next weekend or drop them off at the Church Office during the week.  Note:  If for some reason you are unable to clean the soiled linens, place them in the basket on the counter-top.

• Empty bowls with the individual cups in the two Communion stands and discard plastics cups.  Wash and dry bowls and place back in Communion stands.

Thank you for your willingness to serve your Lord and His church through this ministry opportunity!  Unable to serve when scheduled?  Please switch with someone on the "Serving Together in Mission & Ministry" schedule, or call someone to substitute for you.  Check your Church Directory for the phone numbers and notify the Church Office of any changes (517-552-7218 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).