The word acolyte is taken from an ancient Greek word that meant companion, attendant, or helper.

As an acolyte, you will be part of a tradition that is over 2,000 years old.  The earliest record of acolytes tells us that in A.D. 251 there were 42 of them helping in churches in the city of Rome.

As an acolyte, you are a special kind of minister.  You serve at the altar of God, handle holy things, and assist the ministers.

Acolytes are responsible for bringing the light into the worship service.  The light is important because it is a symbol of the presence of the Son of God at the service.  At the end, acolytes take the presence of Jesus out into the world, as the rest of the congregation should.

Acolytes officially begin the worship service.  As you precede the ministers into the sanctuary, you are a sign to the congregation to stop talking and prepare for worship.  You set the tone for the worship service.

Duties:

• To carry the light into the sanctuary and light the candles on the altar at the beginning of the service.  You will use a candlelighter to do this (all services).
• To help with the children during the children's sermon (11:00 service).
• To dedicate the offering.  You hold the offering plates during the doxology (8:15 and 11:00 services).
• To relight the candlelighter, extinguish the candles, and carry the light out of the sanctuary (8:15 and 11:00 services).