An acolyte assists in worship ceremonies by carrying in and out the Light of Christ. The acolyte uses a candle lighter / extinguisher to light the two altar candles, and on special occasions, the Christ Candle. The Light may be carried by one or two acolytes per service.
A second (or third) acolyte may carry in and out the cross. The cross is carried ahead of the Light in a procession and is placed in a cross stand next to the Altar.
Acolytes assist the ushers during the time of offering by retrieving the offering plates from the altar and handing them to the ushers. The acolytes remain standing for the return of the plates. Following the collection of the offering, the acolytes take the plates from the ushers and return them to the altar.
On communion Sundays, acolytes also assist communion servers by taking the empty trays from the servers and replenishing them with full trays.
At the end of the worship ceremony the acolytes light their candle lighter from the altar candles, extinguish the alter candles (and Christ Candle) and recess down the center aisle, behind the cross, to the Narthex, where the procession began.
Ages and Abilities
Acolytes may begin this ministry as early as third grade. There is no upper age limit. If you would like to assist in this vital ministry please contact the church office or email worship@spanishfortumc.org.