A Manual for Altar Guilds

“In both a practical and spiritual way, Canon Picken has captured the essence of the incarnational self-giving of those who prepare for the community’s liturgies. He offers necessary insight and depth into the practical theology which is at the center of our encounter with the holy and the missional motivation to share Christ’s gift of self in the world.” * Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, Cathedral of the Incarnation * “Fr. Rob Picken’s commitment to the literacy of all the baptized and his solid liturgical instincts honors the work of the Altar Guild by taking seriously their theological formation for what that they do. I commend it for use in every community of worship.” * James W. Farwell, PhD, Professor of Theology and Liturgy at Virginia Theological Seminary and H. Boone Porter Professor of Liturgics at the General Theological Seminary * “Rob Picken offers an excellent resource not only for altar guilds but for anyone who is interested in worship in the Episcopal Church. He provides a concise but comprehensive tour of the history and theology that grounds our worship as well as a clear view on current worship patterns. At the heart of this book is a clear love for our common worship life and a deep respect for those ‘custodians of the sacred’ who sustain and support how we worship.” * Andrew R. Wright, Th.D., Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Newark and editor of Planning for Rites and Rituals * “This text is an ideal primer both for altar guild members new and experienced, as well as anyone who is looking for a basic overview of how the Episcopal Church approaches sacrament, sacred time, and sacred space. It is an essential tool for those who lovingly tend to worship.” * Elise B. Johnstone, D.Min., St. John the Baptist, Seattle, Washington *