Salem United Methodist Church

We are currently looking for children ages 5 and up to become acolytes! 

An acolyte’s job is to light and extinguish the candles on the Lord’s table. We call it the Lord’s table because it is the Lord Jesus Christ’s table. The cross on the Lord’s table reminds us that Jesus died on a cross but has been raised from the dead and is with us here and now.

Since ancient times, light and fire have reminded people that God is here with us. When we bring the light (the fire) into the church and when we light the candles, we remind everyone that God is with us at home, at school, and at work, as well as in the worship service. When people look at the lighted candles they more easily think about God and feel God’s presence. Lighted candles also remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world.

When we light the candlelighter again, before extinguishing the candles and walk towards the door with the lighted candlelighter, we remind everyone that when we scatter out into the world, God will be there with us.

Even when we are not lighting the candles, as we sit or stand respectfully during the service, worshipping God, we are an example and a reminder to others that they should be respectful when worshiping God.