Welcome
The Heart of Advent
One of the major themes of Advent — the period of four weeks preparing for the coming of the Christ at Christmas —is waiting. In these days of sheltering in place and social distancing, when we are not able to gather in person, it seems like we spend all our time waiting.
People of faith have been told, “I wait for the Lord, and in His word I hope” (Psalm 39:7). Amid all the uncertainty and the waiting there is hope. Advent reminds us to look around and notice the signs of God’s Kingdom in the world. The season of Advent is a sign that Jesus is near to us. “Oh come, oh come Emanuel!”
A few important housekeeping notes:
• Triennial Meeting: After much thought and prayer, your Executive Committee has decided to hold a short virtual meeting in 2021. While we truly regret the need to cancel our 2021 in-person meeting, the health and safety of our membership far outweighs our delight in seeing each other. Click here to read more.
• Nomination of Officers: We have begun developing nominating committee recommendations for our 2021–2023 term. If you wish to serve as an officer or to nominate someone, click here to read more and to download the nomination form.
• History of NAGA: In 2006 Barbara Gent researched and wrote a book spanning 73 years of NAGA’s history. Now, a second volume of NAGA history and the future of altar guild is in its infancy. We welcome any suggestions for inclusion in this work. Click here to read more.
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COVID Resources
Below are articles and resources about worship and communion during this difficult time. If you have any ideas to share, we would love to hear your suggestions and solutions. Please email Dianne Walters.
Episcopal Church Resource Page
Reopening Brings New Challenges for Altar Guilds
Guidelines for Reopening from the Diocese of Florida
Preparing Wafers for the Pandemic
Prayers for Acts of Spiritual Communion
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Highlights from Epistle
National Cathedral Altar Service During the Pandemic
This year has been unlike any other in the Cathedral’s history. As the COVID-19 pandemic intensified, we closed our doors on March 12, less than a month before Easter. While many aspects of Cathedral life were cancelled or postponed, one was not: worship. Throughout these months, the guild’s teams continued their work in new circumstances. …
Courage to Thrive
Current literature indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels in everyone, even those who usually cope well. Courage to Thrive is a workbook designed to help its users tackle their issues bit-by-bit […]
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Connect with NAGA
Seeking NAGA Representative for Province VII (Southwest) and Province IX (Central & South America). For more information, contact Dianne Walters.
Disaster Communion Kits. Should fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake or epidemic leave your parish unable to host Eucharist, NAGA will provide a free Disaster Communion Kit. If you need a kit, please contact Joan Konecny (or 936-870-5781). Click here for a video on how to assemble them.
Order your Epistle in living color. Members can receive their Epistle by email. Just send your e-mail address to Donna Anderson.
Share your insights with others. We are happy to share your altar guild newsletter on our website. Please send a PDF of the current issue to our webmaster Betty Hinchman.
Who’s Who? Who are your current Provincial and Diocesan Altar Guild Directors? Please send current contact information to Donna Anderson or Dianne Walters.