The Red Acolyte

Our acolytes are a year-round institution at Heritage from serving during worship to helping the pastors preach to video sketch comedy.  Their biggest event of the year, however, is the Good Friday service, during which they are responsible for the solemn act of clearing all of the colorful or shiny items from the platform, giving the congregation a visual reminder of the darkness that accompanied Jesus’ death on the cross.

For the last couple years acolytes have emerged to serve as leaders of our acolyte team, helping to coordinate and guide the younger members as they perform their parts of the service.  Ben N. and and Ryan G. did this two years ago, staying out in the hallway and sending the acolytes back in one at a time when it was their turn.

Last year, Pastor Betsie and Mrs. Lauren took over the hallway portion of the process, allowing the lead acolyte to stay in the room the whole time.  To make her stand out as the one the other  acolytes were to look to for guidance, she wore red vestments instead of the usual blue that acolytes wear at Heritage. 

Grace A. was the acolyte last year who emerged as one of our most experienced and knowledgeable, and was chosen to be the first “red acolyte” last year.  This year the new tradition will continue, as Olivia H., who has been an acolyte for several years and has become so good at helping other acolytes learn the various parts of the job, will serve as our red acolyte this Friday night, at 7pm, during the Good Friday service.