Have you ever wondered just what the Altar Guild does? It is true that the members work quietly behind the scenes and you never see them. In fact, they are almost invisible. That is the way we want it. However, you do see the results of our work every time you enter the church. In the season of Lent, the hangings are purple and the crosses are veiled in purple because that is the penitential color. Purple is also used during Advent. On Palm Sunday red hangings will be put on because that is the symbol of martyrdom and this color is also used for saint's days when the saint was a martyr. Easter will find the altar hung in white, the sign of purity and new birth. White is also used for saint's days, the Christmas season, weddings and funerals. Green is the color used the most and symbolizes growth, fertility and life. We call these days ordinary Sundays. There is more than just the colors though. The most important thing is the vesting of the chalice and measuring the wine and counting the wafers for the communion. Sometimes there is just plain work to do: polishing the brass and silver, dusting the chancel and sanctuary, marking the Bible and Book of Gospels and putting up the hymn numbers. Occasionally there are special events to prepare for: funerals, weddings and baptisms. Actually it is very interesting because of all the different things that the Guild does, especially the services during Holy week. Members do no expect to be thanked because there is self-satisfaction in what we do. Sometimes, though, you could tell an Altar Guild member that you did notice the results of her efforts.