One of the finest things we do at GS is this---the ceremonial stripping of the altar by the Altar Guild.
At the close of the service, the acolyte approaches the altar and extinguishes the altar candles by blowing them out rather than snuffing. Then, carries the still lit Christ candle to the rear of the church. The lights have been dimmed at this point so the light of that sole candle shows more brightly.
Pastor, Ethel, Bonnie, Ellen, Terri, Donna, Twila
Once the acolyte is in back, the six ladies approach the chancel, walking in pairs, evenly spaced. Next, Pastor removes his shawl and lays it over the outstretched arms of Ethel, second from left in the photo. Her daughter, Terri, is carefully folding the communion linens and will lay them over her mom's arms piece by piece until the altar is bare.
Ethel, Bonnie, Terri, and Ellen
The other ladies carry the candle holders, challice, paten, and the communion ware down the aisle, slowly, again in pairs. A hymn plays softly in the background, no singing, timed to conclude as Pastor carries the brass cross down the aisle. The congregation leaves the chapel in darkness and in silence.
Last year, Robbie sang "What Wondrous Love Is This" acapella during this ceremony. At the Pastor's Conference in January when the ladies did this for the service, an area pastor sang Psalm 116 acapella, again timed to conclude as Pastor carried the cross down the aisle.
Now, on Easter Sunday, a procession will bring the Paschal candle in, with Pastor carrying the cross up the aisle. The choir will process as well, to a point, singing in jubilation. No more silent, but resounding with joy that He is risen!
