Last Update: Nov 2008
For the Sunday Morning Service of Word and Sacrament at 10am

1. Basic Principles

• Public worship is the world’s greatest stage: prayer and performance together - We are reverent. Acolyting is an honor that we have earned and that others respect. We freely choose to serve and we serve lovingly. We are not forced into it by others. It is not taken for granted or taken lightly. It is crucial to our experience of worship.
• Acolytes lead everyone into right worship - We carry the cross, the fire, and the words of God. Without us worship would not happen properly. We bring the symbols and materials of worship and people stand when they see us coming with them.
• We Act deliberately and confidently - We know what we are doing; every little thing has a reason and a meaning.
• Be respectful: The little things matter.
• • THE DON’TS: chew gum; carry a cell phone; be late.
  • THE DO’S: Wear your best shoes; be on time; hang up those vestments!

2. BASIC Demonstrations: I) In the church; II) Vestments (choir space)

I) IN THE CHURCH –Things to remember:

• When walking with a torch… hands apart; torch high enough; torches even height
• When walking with the cross… hands apart; cross high enough; not hitting anything
• Up and down steps in a robe… not stepping on my robe; or the person in front of me
• When I stop and pause and turn at the altar… slow and steady
• Placing the cross and torches in their stands… I take my time, I’m careful of the glass
• When I sit… I don’t kick my feet or squirm.

II) IN THE VESTING ROOM

• Why do we vest…because we symbolize a different reality: the Kingdom of God
• To find the right size and fit… I get there early; my robes don’t drag; my sleeves are right
• If I take something off the hangar…it’s my job to put it back neatly

3. SPECIFIC Demonstrations by older acolytes

When in doubt, look for clues from Clergy, Lay leaders, or older acolytes.

• Crucifer double checks altar candles are lit 10 min before the service Positions for processional
• 1. Meet in Parish Hall, light candles, pray together
  2. All 4 acolytes gather silently inside the side doors in ambulatory **Processional Order: acolytes, choir, robed lay assistants, preacher, clergy, celebrant.**
  3. The time to start varies depending on the introductory music and prayers, so at Eric's cue, they process down the back aisle, up the center aisle
  4. Just before the final altar step, all 4 stop in a line together (luc-cru-luc-lex), then 3 turn all walk single file to place candles and crucifix. Lexifer places Book on Altar.
  5. Return to base of step, bow with cru, and stand at their seats.
• Positions for Gospel procession.
• 1. As soon as hymn starts, get ready, look to the reader for the cue
  2. All 4 move at the same time, and meet in a line at the altar step.
  3. Cru turns and slowly goes down center aisle, others behind.
  4. Crucifer stops evenly with the pews marked ‘13’ and '14', slowly turns around; luc are even with lex; lex turns around and gives book to reader who will turn to proper page and give the book back to be held.
  5. After the reading, the reader lifts the book high, gives it back to the lex. Lex steps aside to let cruc go through first.
  6. They follow, and return to altar, pause, return items, return to altar, bow, and return to their seats
• Positions during communion  - Lucifers hold the flagon and the ciborium which hold the elements. Others sit or kneel silently, praying and not distracting others.
• Positions for retiring processional **Processional Order: acolytes, choir, robed lay assistants, preacher, clergy, celebrant.** We now do not process down all the way down the middle, but the crucifer stops before the first pew. The choir peals apart and goes down the side aisles to the back. With acolytes still standing there, clergy make announcements, and acolytes go out the side door to the right.
• Candles are extinguished after retiring procession.