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The meaning of acolytes:
The word acolyte is taken from an ancient Greek word meaning companion,
attendant, or helper. Acolytes work closely with the pastors and take
part in church services to help people worship God. The acolytes light
and extinguish the candles on the altar and the large Paschal candle
next to the Altar when it is used.
A
crucifer
is a person who carries the church's processional cross, which is a
cross with a long staff, during processions at the beginning and end of
the special festival services. The term "crucifer" comes from the Latin
meaning "cross-bearer."
The acolyte ministry originated from Old Testament times. Since ancient
times, light and fire have reminded people that God is here with us.
Remember your Old Testament verses such as God in the burning bush,
etc. When the acolytes bring the light (fire) into the sanctuary, they
are reminding people that God is with us in our worship service.
When the acolytes extinguish the candles and walk out of the sanctuary
with their candle lighters, they are reminding people that we take the
light and scatter it out into the world remembering that God is with us.
The Acolytes ministry provides youth with a meaningful opportunity to be
involved and serve helpers and attendants in the Worship service. The
acolytes’ duties include lighting and extinguishing the altar candles
and in assisting with the offering and other duties during the
services. The acolyte youth develops responsibility to be on time and
fulfill his/her obligations. It takes a little courage initially to
stand up before the congregation and perform these duties.
Saint Timothy’s Acolytes: Our acolytes serve by lighting altar candles
and assisting with receiving offering, and in the sacraments of baptism
and holy communion. Acolytes serve from 4th grade to about 9th grade.
At the Traditional, 8:30 a.m. service and other traditional services,
acolytes wear a white robe. These robes are found in the cabinet in the
music room. At the 11:00 a.m. contemporary service, acolytes are to
wear slacks, skirts, or dresses. Shorts and t-shirts are not
appropriate attire for leading worship.
At both services, the acolyte lights the candles by the altar and the
Paschal candle during the Easter season.
Candles are lit from right to left (as you face the cross) at the
beginning of the service.
The acolytes then sit to the left side of the sanctuary on the first row
and will assist with the service as needed such as Baptism, Communion,
or other duties as needed.
Offering--- Acolytes help collect the offering by giving the two
offering plates to the ushers at the beginning of the collection. At
the end of the offering, the acolyte stands on the top step and receives
the offering plates from the pastor after they were presented at the
altar.
At the close of the service, during the singing of the final hymn, the
Acolytes return to the altar table and extinguish the candles. At the
traditional service, the acolyte waits until the choir begins to move
before they begin the extinguish the candles.
Candles are extinguished left to right (as you face the cross).
They light their candle from the top candle before they
extinguish the candle on the right. The acolyte then leads the pastor out of the church.
In summary, Acolytes:
• Bring the light of Christ to light the candles on the altar, and
take that light back out into the world after worship
• Assist with serving of communion, Baptism and other service during
the service as needed by the ministers
• By carrying the symbols of our faith they are an important part of
our worship services in the sanctuary
The acolytes serve the minister and the other leaders at worship. These
youth have an opportunity to be part of the worship service. They are
witnesses for Christ by standing in front of the congregation and
lighting the candles. Their acts signify the presence of the Lord in His
house. Thank you to all those who serve as acolytes and assist us all in
worshiping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
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