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Serving as an
Acolyte at First United Methodist Church
What is
an Acolyte?
The word acolyte is derived from the
Greek
word akolouthos,
meaning companion, attendant, or helper. The Acolyte ministry has its
roots in the
Old Testament
of the
Holy Bible,
where the prophets
Samuel
and
Elisha
are seen assisting
Eli,
the
Levite priest.
Acolytes participate in worship services by carrying the processional
cross, lighting the
altar
candles, extinguishing the altar candles, and bringing in the bread and
juice at communion. The lighting of the altar candles in the worship
service is a symbol of Jesus’ coming into the presence of the worshiping
community. Before the extinguishing of the last altar candles, the
acolytes relight their "candle lighter" and then process out into the
narthex.
This symbolizes that
Jesus Christ
is for all people everywhere. It also symbolizes the light of Jesus
Christ going out into the world where believers are called to serve.
How can you participate?
Our Acolyte program at First United Methodist Church invites all
children / youth in grades 3-7 to participate. Usually we ask acolytes
to help once a month in worship, although it may be more or less
depending on how many people we have in the program.
If you would like to participate,
please contact the FUMC Music Office (806) 763 0781
music@fumc.com
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