College of Canada

WHAT THE ADJUTANCY IS:

The Adjutancy is a service ministry with the Presiding Bishop serving as Commander-in-Chief. The Adjutant General, who is the leader of the Corp of Adjutants, serves as Aide or assistant to the Presiding Bishop. The Adjutant General has a staff of men and women serving under him.

 We should not view our role in a derogatory light. SERVING IS MINISTRY. ‘The son of man did not come to be served, but to serve.’ Mark 10:44. God and CCOEB are looking for people of humility, special dedication, and a willing mind to serve.

 WHAT THE ADJUTANCY IS NOT:

It is not a social club. To be sure, the Adjutancy is not a fraternal organization that you are initiated into because of your parents or any other prestigious reasons. The Adjutancy is not for you to ‘rub elbows’ with your Leaders.  Members do not meet to discuss ‘church politics’, ‘complain about the inequities of the church’, or ‘talk about the inadequacies of the leaders’.

COMMITMENT: (The ‘call to serve’ requires commitment)

 WHAT WE DO:

The Adjutancy is to “Sanctify the Leader in the eyes of the people”.

 In fulfilling our creed ‘to sanctify the Leader in the eyes of the people’, the Adjutants, through dignified and reverent ceremonial decorum unveil the sacredness of the Office of the Presiding Bishop, while assisting in the awesome responsibility of ‘service to all mankind’.

Protocol in the National Adjutancy

 Protocol is a prescribed code of etiquette that applies to a given situation, occasion, etc. It is that form of ceremony observed by diplomats, heads of state and leaders. Etiquette refers to codes that govern correct behavior. Protocol performs those acts of courtesy on behalf of leaders (e.g. proper public behavior towards a leader, etc.). All Adjutants must have a thorough knowledge of accepted codes and courtesy and proper behavior toward leadership.

An Adjutant must know his/her position

 It is always improper for an Adjutant to walk in front of his Superior except to clear the way for the superior to walk. It is further improper for an Adjutant to walk in front of the Superior seated in a pulpit setting. The Adjutant must always use the back of his leader as a means of access.

 An Adjutant must know when to speak and when to keep quiet (not to join in conversation with leader and others)

 Adjutants must never approach a Superior when he is engaged. You must never converse with the Superior standing above his head. If he is seated in a public service or conference, you should approach, kneel on one knee, lean close enough to hear and respond, then arise and retreat quickly to do whatever your instructions were. If you must cross in front of another leader to get to the one you are approaching or leaving, you must always excuse yourself. Never use the Superior, or his chair, as a leaning post – support yourself in getting up and down.

It is important that we respect our leaders

 In the same spirit, the Adjutant is not to seek to ‘buddy’ the leadership, but to serve them. When your mission is completed, move quickly from the immediate presence of the Apostles being served.

 The Adjutant is not to correct the leader in public.

 The Leader is to be addressed by his/her proper title

 Our forefathers taught that familiarity breeds contempt. This truth prevails in every area of life. It is, therefore, in that same spirit that we insist that Adjutants never seek to be ‘familiar’ with their Superiors. Unsolicited interference in the conversations of Superiors is the mark of ignorance and disrespect.

Every leader is to be referred to by his highest title and last name. Nicknames are never to be used in public or private. First name basis is out. The Superior may refer to you by your first name, or affectionately as ‘Son’, but you must always respond with ‘Sir’ or ‘Bishop’. Short, discourteous or familiar answers will never be tolerated. Terms such as ‘okay’, ‘yeah’, ‘huh’, are not proper. In the event any Adjutant is found to be in breach of any of the above, he will be dismissed.

 Adjutants must anticipate the needs of the leader

 Every Adjutant must have a spirit of humility and must be discrete –

 The Adjutant must learn to work in the company of the Church-fathers, and hear only that which is spoken to him. The Adjutant must never repeat any matter he happens to overhear.

 It is never in good taste for an Adjutant to be photographed with his Superior except it being with permission, preferably on a pre-arranged basis. Remember, you are not selected to ‘star’ but rather to ‘serve’.

As Adjutants, we are charged with many things – including the Leader’s vestments;

therefore,

 As an Adjutant, you are charged with the responsibility of securing the personal belongings of the Leader you assist. You must always know where your particular Superior’s garments are placed. You must be certain that his belongings are in good order and secure – before you leave that particular area.

 REMEMBER: The Adjutancy is a service ministry. Only those who have the mind-set of a Servant can serve effectively.  We must have a servant’s heart, coupled with a serving spirit. We should not view our role in a derogatory light. SERVING IS MINISTRY. ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.’ Mark 10:44. God and CCOEB are looking for people of humility, special dedication, and a willing mind to serve.

“Called to Serve: Sanctification & Sacraments”

 The Adjutancy is the servant's ministry of the Church. It is composed of men and women of willing hearts who realize the value of "sanctifying" the leaders of the church in the eyes of the people. The 2014 volume of the official Adjutancy Manual reflects the most recent revisions of the various service areas, ranks, roles and responsibilities of these special servants and handmaidens of the Lord.

 1st Corinthians 12 enumerates some of the gifts that God set in the church. Among them the Apostle Paul lists the gift of "helps". An Adjutant is a helper, supporter and aide to those who are in leadership.

 One cannot serve effectively in the Adjutancy without first possessing a servant's spirit. Adjutants must be men and women of Godly demeanor and behavior. They must be an example of loyalty and holy submission to those in authority at all levels of the church. Adjutants cannot be those who expect praise for the service they render. Therefore, those who are selected for the Adjutancy are men and women who have acknowledged the call of God to serve the leadership of the Church in matters of

(1)  Service

(2)  Protocol,

(3)  Order and

(4)  Worship.

 The primary original task of the Adjutancy was the organizing and coordinating of National communions, inaugurations, installations of new Bishops and National Officers. The Adjutancy now serves in any setting where the Presiding Bishop is serving.

 The Adjutancy is a service ministry. Only those who have the mindset of a servant can serve effectively. We must have a servant’s heart coupled with a serving spirit. We should not view  our role in a derogatory light. SERVING IS MINISTRY. "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" Mark 10:44. God and CCOEB are looking for people of humility, special dedication and a willing mind to serve.

 THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION (The Lord’s Supper)

 One of the chief ceremonies and ordinances of the Church is HOLY COMMUNION. 

 PREPARATION OF THE LORD'S TABLE

When we go into the place set apart for preparation, the first order is prayer. We thank God for the privilege of serving at this altar and handling the holy vessels. We also ask Him to keep us in remembrance as to why we are observing the Feast and to count us worthy to help in the preparation, serving and partaking. All service is done quietly, with dignity, and reverence.

There should be no unnecessary talking or moving about. A lavabo bowl is prepared with warm water for the minister to cleanse his hands. A very small amount of alcohol is usually added to the water. Soft white lavabo towels are used to dry his hands.

 POST- COMMUNION PROTOCOL

After the sacrament of Holy Communion is concluded, all the vessels and linens are removed and taken to the work area for cleaning. This is also done in a reverent disposition and atmosphere. Unused consecrated wine should be poured into the piscine (basin equipped with  a drain running directly to the ground) or carried outside and poured on the ground. Used vessels are washed in hot soapy water and dried with soft cloths. After cleaning, they should be handled with soft, dry gloves or cloths in order to prevent marking them. All sacramental linens should be laundered and ironed after each use.

ESSENTIAL TERMINOLOGY RELATED TO SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

 Burse

The corporal, pall and purificators are kept in the burse when not in use. The burse is a container like an envelope for storing the corporal, purificators and other linens and for carrying them to and from the altar for the Holy Communion.

 Celebrant

The Officiating Minister as distinguished from his Assistant in the celebration of Holy Communion.

 Chalice Cup

Used for administration of wine in Holy Communion. It is the most sacred instrument of the Church's Worship. It reminds us of the cup which the Lord blessed and drank from when He instituted the sacrament. It is also called "the common cup," "the cup of blessing," and the "communion cup".

 Corporal

Square white linen cloth placed on center of mensa, on which communion vessels are placed.

 Elements

The bread and wine used in Holy Communion, and the water in Holy Baptism.

 Host

Unleavened wafer used in Holy Communion.

 Lavabo Bowl

Bowl used for cleansing of Presiding Minister's hands in Holy Communion.

 Linens

Refers to three groups of white linen cloths: altar linens (cerecloth, protector linen, and fair linen); communion linens (corporal, pall, purificators, and veil); and other linens (lavabo towel, credence linen, and baptismal napkins).

 Pall

Linen-covered square placed over rim of chalice when not in use. It covers the chalice before & after communion. It is a linen covered square of stiff cardboard or plastic usually 7" to 9" square. The top of the pall is often embroidered in white with a cross. It is important to note that the corporal and pall are the most "sacred altar linens".

 Paraments

Cloth hangings of various liturgical colors used to adorn the altar, pulpit, and lectern.

 Paten

Plate used to hold bread during the distribution of Holy Communion. It is made to fit or rest in the rim of the chalice. It is symbolic of the "one bread" (body) broken in pieces. These pieces are called "wafers" or "hosts".

Piscina

Basin which drains directly into the ground, used for disposal of baptismal and wine remaining after Holy Communion.

 Purificator

Square linen napkin used to cleanse the rim of the chalice. It is usually 12" to 15" square with a cross embroidered in the center or on one end.

 Sacrament

A rite commanded by Christ which uses an earthy element as a sign of God's grace. The two sacraments are Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.

 Sacred Vessels

The sacred vessels are used to serve at the altar in our churches. The pieces include the chalice and the paten.

 Sacristy

Room used for storage and preparation of items needed in worship; also used by the clergy for vesting before services.

 Veil

Cloth placed over sacramental vessels before and after the celebration of Holy Communion. It is used to cover the sacred vessels. It may be large white linen or silk veil.

“Organizing for Excellence”

Training Emphasis: Organizing For Excellence: The National Adjutancy As Servant Leaders: Partner Excellence, Set Up For Up Coming Events, and Servant Responsibilities

 I). Why Excellence?

a.    Gathering information

b.    Staying On Top of the Game

c.    Shared Tasks

 

II). Partnering Excellence

a.    Recognize when there is "Burn Out"

b.    Leadership Renewal

c.    Remain Pleasant and Approachable

 

III). Roles

a.    Find Your Lane and Stay In It

b.    Survey "The Land"

c.    Maintain Your Position

 

IV). The Style of Handling Conflicts

a.    Evaluate the situation

b.    Stay neutral and focus

c.    Do not become forceful

d.    Know how to compromise

e.    PROBLEM SOLVED

 

v). Event Planner

a.    Be On Top of your game

b.    Keep a mental Calendar of up coming events

c.    "COLOR CODED"

“Organizing for Excellence”

Training Emphasis: (1) Chief Adjutants and Lead Sisters come alongside those the Lord has made choice of to lead His Church, (2) Knowing your Place and Maintaining your Place, (3) Knowing How to Both Lead and Follow and (4) Your Role Performed Well.

I.      The National Adjutancy as Servant Leaders

a.    The National Adjutancy is a Ministry of Service

b.    A Common Goal as we Work Together

c. Having the “Eyes of an Eagle & Heart of a Servant”

II.    Multi-Tasking

a.    See a Need, Meet a Need

b.    Know How to Flow

c.    Know When to Let Go

III). Role of Jurisdictional Chief Adjutants and Lead Adjutant Sisters

a.    Establish Order

b.    Maintain Order

c.    How to Handle Upcoming Events and/or Unforeseen Happenings

d.    Be Creative

e.    Follow Instructions as well as Give Instructions

 IV.  C.E.L.S.

a.    General Standards

b.    Personal Appearance and Body Up-keep

c.    Know your Ceremonial Dress

d.    It’s Okay to Be Colorful

e.    Be Flexible

f.     Be Aware that the “Program Is Subject to Change by the Leading Of:

g.    Maintain a Positive Tone

h.    Beware of Late-comers

Always Remember: We maintain our integrity, because we are not here to bring spot light or praise unto ourselves but rather, we are here, and we keep this in the forefront of our minds: “TO SANCTIFY OUR LEADER IN THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE.....”