On September 26, 2020, the Verger Guild of the Episcopal Church (VGEC) will hold its annual conference via Zoom. The guild is a service organization that supports the ministry of vergers, sacristans, worship leaders, altar guild members, and more in Anglican denominations. Although the position may have many different names, all are identified with the historic name and work of the verger.
The general description of the vergers’ duties is that they work under the direction of their priest to be “responsible for keeping the space sacred so spiritual work can be done.” The verger makes sure that everyone is in the places they need to be for smooth running of the service, making them a combination of emcee and butler.
All vergers can become members of the guild by applying, but one of the advantages of being a paid member is access to the guild’s resources, including its professional training course. This course, taken under the mentorship of their priest, educates vergers on their specific duties, the Canons of the Episcopal Church, contents of the Book of Common Prayer and other books used in worship, detailed information about their particular church and its members, the vestments worn by clergy and vergers, and the structure of various worship services.
At St. Clare’s, seven of our vergers, working with Maryjane since last November, have successfully completed the training course, and will be presented with their award certificates at the 2020 VGEC conference via video. They will therefore become Fellows of the Guild. Please join in congratulating our new Fellows:
- Judy Avery
- Mary Lu Barth
- Christine Cook
- Mark Davis-Craig
- Paul Holman
- Laurie Kantner
- Linda Klimach