Scenes from "A Celebration of Flowers"
Organized by Vivian Edwards, Altar Guild Coordinator for the Diocese of North Carolina
On May 12, 2004, the Diocesan ECW hosted an Altar Guild Festival. This event, held every three years, focused on the use of flowers to turn holy places into most beautiful spaces. More than 100 people -- women and men of different faiths -- gathered at The Summit, an Episcopal camp and conference center near Greensboro, to learn more about the art of flower arranging. Kevin Aubrey, a florist based in Alexandria, Virginia and member of the National Cathedral's Flower Guild, led the demonstration and discussion. So that they wouldn't forget the lessons he was imparting, attendees eagerly took notes and photos. Some even made sketches of the stages of his floral creations. Mr. Aubrey's arrangements for small and large altars as well as other areas of a church, including the outside entrance, were completed over a two-hour period and are pictured here.
The Right Reverend Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, lead the afternoon Eucharist and preached about using our talents and sensibilities to celebrate and expand on God's "bright and beautiful" creation.
A representative from the Diocesan bookstore, headquartered in Oxford, was present with a variety of books related to the topic of the day.
Vivian Edwards, Altar Guild Coordinator for the Diocesan ECW (pictured far right), organized the festival. She was assisted by North Carolina's May Sherrod, president of the National Altar Guild Association (center) and Rosemary Easton of Oxford, a noted floral artist.
