What a magnificent Easter Sunday! Our three worship services this past week were all remarkable celebrations of our Risen Lord. I was moved to tears several times throughout the morning by my gratitude for Christ, but also by the joy I felt from seeing all of us gathered together. Last Easter was just as holy, but the isolation we were experiencing as it passed left me missing the gathered body of Christ.

Each service this past week had something special about it.  At the Sunrise service, the youth did a wonderful job leading us in worship.  At ConneXion, the band sounded fantastic! The choir and the brass at the traditional service really outdid themselves, but at that service I was especially touched by a ministry that may often go unnoticed.

For the last several months, we have had just one acolyte at the 11 a.m. service.  Aubrie MacDonald faithfully serves each week, bearing the light of Christ. For Easter we were able to gather some reinforcements and there were 4 children/youth serving in this important ministry.

Acolytes have always been special to me. I served as one when I was young and my older children have all participated in worship as acolytes. More than that though, this ministry offers a place for children to serve their church. Often we think of children as the future of the church. However, in reality they are an important part of the present church and this ministry allows them the chance to use their gifts and be a leader in worship. So, I wanted to give a little more information about this special ministry and a proper thank you to those who participate in it.

The word acolyte comes from the Greek word akolouthos, meaning follower or helper. They may carry the light, processional cross, banners, or Bible. They may also assist the pastor or other worship leaders with communion, baptism and other duties. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). The presence of the light reminds us of Jesus coming into our world and into our lives. The light is carried into the worship service as a symbol of Jesus coming into the presence of the worshiping community. At the end of the service, the light carried out into the world is a sign that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere, and that Christ goes with his people into the world to serve as his living body.

As we move forward into a new season of church, I would like to invite more of our children and youth to serve in this important worship ministry. Traditionally, children can begin in 3rd grade and continue until 6th or 7th grade (or until they outgrow the robes). You can reach out to me if you have questions or if your child/grandchild would like to help lead worship as an acolyte.

In closing, I want to give a special shout out to our Easter acolytes – Aubrie MacDonald, Andrew Green, Annelise Whitfield, and Grace Williams. Thank you for your service!

Leigh-Anne Williams, Pastor of Family Ministries