Welcome
A Welcome to our New Officers
On July 7, 2021, the National Altar Guild Association held a virtual Triennial meeting. We heard several great speakers on topics ranging from the history and future of the Book of Common Prayer to repair of the silver pieces found in our sacristies (highlights below). Business was also conducted and the following individuals were elected to lead our organization for the next three years:
President, Marcia Himes
First Vice President, David Hawley-Lowry
Second Vice President, Larry Byrne
Secretary, Sandy Wilson
Treasurer, Elizabeth Coffin
Nominating Chair, Joan Konecny
Outgoing president, Dianne Walters, traveled to Riverton, Wyoming to personally install the new president, and continue the tradition of passing along the president’s cross. All other newly elected, along with other NAGA board members, joined via Zoom. Each new officer was addressed personally, and installed by the priest-in charge of St. James, The Rev. Amy Mayes. Despite the “new normal”, NAGA is ready to continue our mission of encouraging, educating and assisting altar guilds across the Episcopal Church.
Highlights from Epistle
NAGA members were delighted to hear presentations by keynote speakers, Dr. Daniel B. Clendenin, founder of the Journey with Jesus webzine (https://www.journeywithjesus.net), and Debie Thomas, webzine writer, as they spoke about their journeys to the Episcopal Church…
Common Prayer: A Dynamic Tradition
Does your sacristy wall have a mysterious dent in it about five or six feet from the floor? Many do. Those mysterious dents are caused by the heads of rectors who have just heard yet another person say, “But we’ve always done it that way!” about something or other…
The Beloved Community
We are a community of the altar guild; we are also a community of the Episcopal Church; and we are a community of the Christian faith. More importantly we are part of the Beloved Community. What is the Beloved Community?…
Silversmith Tim Maple
Mr. Tim Maple, owner of Omega Silversmithing, Inc., gave us an informative and stimulating presentation, with questions submitted by chat. Mr. Maple took us on a wide-range tour of his store/shop near Snohomish, Washington…
________________________________________________________________________________
Connect with NAGA
COVID Resources: We have compiled a selection of 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 Marcia Himes. Click here to read more.
Seeking NAGA Representative for Province IX (Central & South America). For more information, contact Marcia Himes.
Contribute to a 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.
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 The Rev. Larry Byrne.
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 The Rev. Larry Byrne or Marcia Himes.