Acolytes

If a student in 2nd grade or older is interested in Acolyte training, please contact Pam Greenberg at children@fumcmv.org.

The meaning of acolytes: The word acolyte is taken from an ancient Greek word meaning companion, attendant, or helper. Acolytes work closely with the pastors and take part in church services to help people worship God. The acolytes light and extinguish the candles on the altar.

The acolyte ministry originated from Old Testament times. Since ancient times, light and fire have reminded people that God is here with us. Remember your Old Testament verses such as God in the burning bush, etc. When the acolytes bring the light (fire) into the sanctuary, they are reminding people that God is with us in our worship service. Normally, there are two candles on the altar, one representing Christ’s divinity, and the other, Christ’s humanity.

When the acolytes extinguish the candles and walk out of the sanctuary with their candle lighters, they are reminding people that we take the light and scatter it out into the world remembering that God is with us.
Being an acolyte: The Acolytes ministry provides children with a meaningful opportunity to be involved and serve in the Lord’s House as helpers and attendants in the Worship service. The acolyte children (normally 2nd through 6th grade) develop responsibility to be on time and fulfill his/her obligations. It takes a little courage initially to stand up before the congregation and perform the duties. Do not worry acolytes are trained before they perform their duties.

Our acolytes wear a white robe with a cinch that may be the color of the church season or just white on Communion Sundays. Acolytes serve at our 11:00AM traditional service.