"Your talent is God's gift to you.
What you do with it is your gift back to God."
-Leo Buscaglia

The Christ United Methodist Church of Waynesboro, PA enjoys an active, vibrant group of acolytes. This group of dedicated
volunteers assists the clergy by performing symbolic duties during religious services. We are blest to have our youngsters
serve as acolytes in our worship services. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an Acolyte at Christ Church,
please notify our Acolyte Leader, Sarah Klink, the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Bob Cook or the Church Office.

What is an Acolyte?
An acolyte is also known as an altar server or an altar boy or girl. In fact, the origin of the word "acolyte" is from the Greek for "server."

What Does an Acolyte do During the Sunday Service?
They carry the bible and the candlelighter to the altar during the opening and closing portions of the worship service.
On days when the choir processes in, acolytes may join the procession and sometimes carry the cross or banners during
the procession. They also may be called upon for special duties during the Christmas and Easter holidays.

Who Can be an Acolyte?
ANYONE! The beauty of being an acolyte is that anyone can help serve God. While acolytes are usually thought of being young
men and women, any responsible person willing to sacrifice a little time can train to be an acolyte. Usually young people should
be in at least 2nd or 3rd grade and able to take their responsibilities seriously. However, depending on the maturity of the
individual, a younger member may be allowed to join. This is up to the discretion of the pastor or acolyte leader.

What is an Acolyte Leader?
An Acolyte Leader is an adult to whom responsibility for training and mentoring the Acolytes has been entrusted.

What About Training?
Our Acolyte Leader, Sarah Klink, along with Pastor Cook, provides complete training for all of our acolytes. Each prospective
acolyte will go through a brief preparation course to familiarize them with the duties involved. They will be given this handbook
to keep and to study by. There is no set time period on training. Whether it takes 2 weeks or 2 months, an acolyte won't be
required to serve until she or he feels fully confident of the duties involved. A schedule is posted in our monthly newsletter,
The Messenger, so that the acolytes will know when they will be serving.

What do They Wear?
Albs are a way of defining the significant responsibility for serving the church. Choirs wear robes, as do pastors to also
signify their responsibility. The acolyte albs are found in the men's choir room closet. There are several sizes available. In
the summer season, we do not ask our acolytes to robe. Play clothes are obviously not the best things to wear. But nice
clothes that are suitable for church are acceptable.

What is the Significance of the Acolyte's Service?
Acolytes serve to remind the congregation that Christ is present to us in the Word (Bible) and in the Spirit (flame). We are reminded
that as Jesus is present with us in our worship, just as he promised, the power of the Holy Spirit is available to all worshippers.

What Time Should The Acolytes Be Present Before the Service?
At least ten minutes before the service begins, the acolytes should be in the narthex with the Bible and the candle lighter ready. Check
the wick on the candle lighter to be sure there is sufficient length and make sure that there is an adult present with a lighter available.

Processing and Candle Lighting:
During the singing of the first hymn, an usher will signal you to process down the aisle. (If the candle lighter goes out, go back and
relight it. The pastor also has a lighter on hand at the Chancel if your light goes out and will relight your candle lighter when necessary.) Stop in front of the altar and bow. The Bible bearer places the opened Bible on the Altar table and waits for the candle lighter to perform their duties. Light the Gospel candle first and then the Epistle candle. (The Gospel candle is the one at your left as you face the altar;
the Epistle candle is the one at your right as you face the altar.) Check to make sure both candles are burning. If not, relight.

Extinguish the flame on the candle lighter and bow. Walk around the right side of the altar to where the pastor's chair is located
and place the candle lighter in the stand to the left of the chair. Then, both the Bible bearer and the Candle lighter are to return
to their seats and be seated when Pastor directs the congregation to do so, remembering to be on your best behavior!

Candle Snuffing and Recessing:
At the beginning of the next to last verse of the last hymn, the Bible Bearer and Candle lighter are to walk to the Chancel. The
Candle lighter retrieves the candle lighting stick while the Bible bearer picks up the Bible from the Altar and closes it. The Candle
lighter lights the candle lighting wick from the Gospel candle and extinguishes it and the Epistle candle. Then, both acolytes' turn and process back up the aisle and return the candle lighter and Bible to the Acolyte leader or to an usher. Return your alb to the closet
in the Men's choir room. Then you are free to wait for their parents in the back of the Sanctuary.