A fixture in churches everywhere, Stauffer's original work for altar guilds has sold more than 26,000 copies since 1985. This handbook helps altar guilds understand their responsibilities and how best to perform them. Included are practical instructions regarding preparation for Holy Communion, Holy Baptism, marriage, burial, confirmation, daily prayer services, healing rites, other occasional services, and seasons and festivals of the church year. The book also provides tested suggestions for organizing an altar guild, devotions for altar guild meetings, and a helpful glossary.

This edition is revised and expanded with:

• new practical illustrations
• an expanded understanding of the ministry of the sacristan as one who prepares the environment for worship
• additional suggestions for seasonal worship environments
• reflection on the question of cultural context for worship and anticipates the needs of the altar guild worshiping with newly published culture-specific worship resources
• worship principles from The Use of the Means of Grace, the ELCA's guidelines for sacramental practice