Handmaiden Report January 2004

We wrap up 2003 with quite a few newly trained Handmaidens. They are all very excited to be participating in holding the cloth, cutting the bread and ringing the bells. The girls have started wearing white robes to hold the cloth during Communion. Initially, there was some apprehension about wearing them but once they did the robes were well received and in not only does it look nice it eliminates concern over communion getting the girl clothes which would have to be burned. We have requested two additional robes be purchased as some of the girls are quite tall and still growing.

We are coming along with bell ringing, however it is still hard to get anybody to church early enough to ring before Liturgy which is when we can be most creative. I have a skeleton crew who are all committed to being there at the appropriate times and enjoying learning new patterns. Others straggle in on various days and we welcome them to join in. Many girls showed up for Pascha bell ringing but only those who practiced AND were wearing gym shoes were allowed up in the bell tower. I will appoint the crew for this year’s Pascha ringing from the tower based on commitment throughout the year and evidence of responsibility and safety. Nobody under age 10 will be allowed in the top of the bell tower and all others will need parental permission. We are going to start naming some of the patterns we have learned after the Saints. We look forward to another year serving St. Luke as Handmaidens.

Respectfully Submitted

Lynn Betsanes