Acolyte Picnic

For many years my husband's responsibilities as cantor have included overseeing our congregation's St. Andrew Society. The St. Andrew Society is a group of junior high and high school students who volunteer their time to serve as acolytes for our worship services. Some churches require this work of their Confirmation students; neither our current church nor our former one, which also had a St. Andrew Society, do so. We find that if the acolytes are convinced of the value of their work they will willingly and joyfully serve. When they become high school students they are designated as senior acolytes and receive a special cross to reflect that distinction. Many of our acolytes continue serving until they graduate from high school.

Yesterday was our annual St. Andrew Society "picnic." Somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 acolytes turned out. The day was rather bittersweet for our family in that it was the last one that Trevor will participate in as an acolyte (he is going to college) and will also likely be the last one my husband will plan. Our congregation is in the process of calling a third pastor, and the job description for his position includes heading up the St. Andrew Society. So my husband will no longer be doing so as that responsibility passes from him to someone else.

Because I think my husband does such fine work with our acolytes, and because it was the last time Trevor and Caitlin will be together in the St. Andrew Society, I thought to take some photos of the day.

This is called "Acolyte Jeopardy." Notice the categories. As in real Jeopardy, contestants (in this case playing on teams) pick a category and an amount. They get an "answer" for which they have to provide the question.

A sample "answer." Do you know the "question"?

The day included a time of teaching, prayer and reflection in the place where the acolytes' work is done.

There were also "wacky acolyte games." This one is a race to see who can change a taper faster. (The more experienced of these two won.)

And yes, there was feasting. The menu is the same every year: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, biscuits, and of course, dessert.

Gym and free time! The day was topped off with a water balloon fight--I didn't get pictures of that one. As usual, there was one wet cantor when it was all over.

Trevor and Caitlin will acolyte together one more time in August. The following week Trevor leaves for college. Sometime this fall, God willing, we will welcome our new pastor, and my husband will pass the leadership of the St. Andrew Society on to him. Just a few more of the "lasts" we are experiencing this year that we pray will turn into some wonderful "firsts."