Diocese of Fort Worth Altar Guild Meeting
by Dolly Bush, Directress

Saturday, May 1, the second Diocesan Altar Guild meeting was held at St. Luke’s in the Meadow. It was a wonderful, joyful get-together, starting with St. Philip and James Day Eucharist celebrated by The Reverend Susan Slaughter, rector of St. Luke’s.

The parish hall displayed items from the Loan Closet. A number of additional items, arriving from churches meeting in their own parish homes, went back to some faith communities before even getting to the Loan Closet inventory. The first Handbook for Altar Guilds in the Diocese of Fort Worth was displayed and available for the first time at $2.00 each. Half of the first printing went swiftly. Framed retired linen embroidery and silk appointments were also on display for members to purchase for churches and home.

A successful business meeting told of the continuing joy and growth of our diocese. Members learned that, even though James Avery has discontinued making organizational pieces, we have the mold for the Diocesan Altar Guild pendant and we are now looking for the best company to make them for our members who wish to have one.

A workshop on how to beautify worship space as well as our homes with flowers and gifts for loved ones was given by Phyllis Marabeti from Trinity Episcopal Church, Fort Worth. Everyone was pleased to learn a few new “tricks” that the professional florist will never tell you.

There were 50 members present. All were asked to sit with attendees from other churches, and there was a lot of conversation and laughter during our luncheon together. One could feel the Lord’s presence throughout the day. And we decided that February would be a better time of year to meet (between Christmas and Lent). The date of our next meeting will be February 5, 2011 - location to be announced.