ORGANIZATION NAME:   Phyllis Kirkman Sanctuary Guild (PKSG)

SPOKESPERSON:   Liz Houlihan (206) 523-9748

VISION:  The purpose of the guild is to enhance the environment through visual change in the worship and prayerful spaces at Saint Bridget.  Members are guided by the liturgy and the seasons. Their goal is to make you, the parishioner, and our guests feel apart of the assembly that is gathered together to celebrate the Eucharist. They enhance the environment with thoughtful consideration, symbols, and seasonal inspiration.

DESCRIPTION:  The Phyllis Kirkman Sanctuary Guild is a small group of creative and talented women who have a major impact on the environment. What they do in the sanctuary is usually one of the first things noticed by those who come to pray and worship at the parish of Saint Bridget. They are responsible for the flower arrangements on the altar and in the chapel. They maintain and decorate the prayer niches at the back of the church. They prepare the church for the Advent and Christmas seasons and for the Lent and Easter seasons. They are also responsible for setting up the environment for other liturgical events such holy days and reconciliation services.

COMMITMENT:  The group meets twice a year, usually around the Christmas and Easter season to discuss the overall theme of what the church should look like during these liturgical times.  They may meet at other times throughout the year on an as needed basis. They work closely with the Pastor and the Liturgy coordinator to decorate the environment to enhance the liturgy.  Each individual, on a  rotating schedule, is committed to a week’s maintenance and arrangement of the plants and flowers in the church.

HISTORY:  Phyllis Kirkman was a long time parishioner, one of our founding members.  She was dedicated to the decoration of the church each weekend.  When she died in 1997, the volunteers that helped her decided to honor her by naming their group the Phyllis Kirkman Sanctuary Guild.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:   If you have a knack for flower arranging and decorating, this ministry is for you.  If you are not creative but would like to be involved, they are still in need of those who would be willing to do maintenance during the week:  i.e., watering, purging dead flowers.  Additionally, parishioners also have the opportunity to donate an arrangement.  If you wish to recognize an anniversary or remember someone special you may donate flowers for the altar, with a memorial.  Please call Liz Houlihan, 206 523-9748, at the parish office for the details.