ACOLYTE INSTRUCTIONS

(Updated 09/15/2005)

Before the service:

• Arrive at least 10 minutes before service begins.
• Check in with the ushers.
• Check the candle lighter to determine whether its taper is long enough.
• Check for matches.
• Locate your robe and stole.
• Check the bulletin for changes or additions to the worship service and with the pastor for special instructions.

At the start of the first hymn:

1. Light the candle lighter - usually an usher or parent will help you with this.
2. Hold the candle lighter with your right hand near the bottom and your left hand on or near the knob which regulates the length of the taper.
3. Move toward the front of the church. Take short steps, keep your head up and eyes straight ahead.
4. Hold the candle lighter in front of you with the flame pointing ahead of you and the bell of the candle lighter pointing down.
5. When you reach the opening in the altar rail, stop for a brief prayer, step into the altar area and begin lighting the candles form the outside toward the center. Light the candle on the right side first.
6. When lighting candles, expose sufficient length of the taper so that the flame is large enough to rest on the wick of the candle. Hold the candle lighter at right angles to the candle, allowing the flame to rest on the wick of the candle.
7. Following the lighting of the candles, draw candle lighter toward you so that it is not over the altar, and pull taper into its metal stem, snuffing out the flame.
8. Place the candle lighter in its place - avoid unnecessary noise. You may then be seated until your next duty.

At the start of the last hymn:

1. Move again toward the opening in the chancel railing, pause briefly, step into the chancel area and extinguish the candles, extinguishing the left side first.
2. After all the candles are extinguished, walk slowly to the back of the church. Put the candle lighter away, disrobe, and carefully hang up your vestments.

Acolyte Communion Duties:

1. Report to the Sacristy/Vestry during the hymn of the day.

2. Use Purell on your hands.

3. Practice handing off the Communion trays with the Communion servers.

4. When Pastor Larson says, “Our Communion is ready and the ushers can bring you forward,” the acolyte and servers leave the Sacristy.

5. The servers will have a full tray and an empty tray, and the acolyte will have a full tray and an empty tray.

6. The acolyte will wait at the end of the Communion rail nearest to the Sacristy.

7. When the servers reach the end of the railing, you will switch trays with the server using the method using the following method. (See diagram below).

• The Communion servers stack their used trays.

• Hand the two stacked trays (full tray + empty tray) to the server holding NO trays.

• Receive the used trays from the other server.

8. Immediately return to the Sacristy to get two new trays and return to your spot at the end of the railing.

9. After the congregation has communed, you will go to the altar and commune with the servers, altar guild person, and Pastor Larson.

10. Return to your seat after you commune.