|
Term |
Description |
|
Advent
Wreath |
A
small, round candleholder that holds four candles. It is usually
placed near the baptismal font or near the altar. The candles are
lighted during the singing of a special Advent Hymn on each of the
four Advent Sundays before Christmas. One candle is lit, on the first
Advent Sunday, two candles are lit on the second Advent Sunday, three
candles are lit on the third Advent Sunday, and all four candles are
lit on fourth Advent Sunday. |
|
Alb
or Alba |
A
long, white robe worn by the pastor and other worship leaders. It is
fastened up the front and often is tied with a rope around the waist
called a cincture. |
|
Altar |
The
main table at the front, center of the church sanctuary. This is the
place where the Holy Communion is celebrated. |
|
Altar
Guild |
Church
volunteers who serve God by preparing the Chancel for worship,
preparing for the sacraments, and caring for the liturgical worship
items and supplies. |
|
Altar
Rail |
The
railing where parishioners kneel or stand before when receiving Holy
Communion. The altar rail surrounds the altar. |
|
Bible
Bearer |
The
person who carries the large reading Bible into, and out of, the
sanctuary. This person is usually vested in a cassock and surplice. |
|
Candle
Lighter |
The
instrument used to light the altar candles and to extinguish them.
One side contains a wax taper or wick and the other side contains the
bell or candlesnuffer. This tool is used to light the Advent Wreath
and at weddings. |
|
Cassock |
The
long colored robe that is placed under the surplice (or cotta). The
acolytes, the Bible bearer, and the crucifer usually wear this vestment. |
|
Celebrant |
The
person leading, or "celebrating" the worship service,
always is an ordained pastor. |
|
Chalice |
A
large cup from which the wine ("the blood of Christ") is
distributed. Most often it is made of silver; however, it may also be
made from glass or clay. |
|
Chancel |
The
altar-area of the church sanctuary, extending from the altar rail to
the altar of the church. This area is the host place for the Holy Communion. |
|
Credence
Table(s) |
The
table(s) at the front of the sanctuary upon which communion ware,
offering plates, or other worship service items are placed. |
|
Crucifer |
The
person who carries the processional Cross into, and out of, the
sanctuary at the beginning and end of the worship service. This
person is vested in a cassock. |
|
Communion
Trays |
A
large round tray from which the wine ("the blood of
Christ") is distributed when small communion glasses are used.
The trays, when empty, are used to gather the empty communion glasses
at the altar rail. |
|
Cotta |
A
white robe that is placed over a cassock. Also called a "surplice." |
|
Deacon |
The
layperson from the congregation who works with the pastor(s) in
leading the worship life of the congregation. This person may also be
called the "Worship Assistant". |
|
Font |
The
place, or basin, where the Sacrament of Holy Baptism is celebrated. |
|
Host Box |
The
round, silver container that stores the wafers for the Holy Communion. |
|
Nave |
The
part of the church sanctuary where the congregation is seated. |
|
Offering |
The
time when people "offer" or return their gifts to God. |
|
Top
of Page |
|
Paschal
Candle |
A
tall, single candle, which is lighted to represent the Risen Christ.
It is located near the baptismal font. The candle is lit on Easter
Morning and is used at all worship services through Pentecost Day
(roughly Easter Sunday through the end of May). It is also lit at all
baptisms and at all funeral or memorial services. |
|
Paten |
A
plate from which the bread or wafers ("the body of Christ")
is distributed. |
|
Pulpit |
The
place, or furniture, where the Word of God is proclaimed through the
sermon. It is usually reserved for use by ordained pastors. |
|
Procession |
The
procession or parade of persons entering the church sanctuary at the
beginning of worship service. The order of movement is: (1) the
crucifer, (2) the Bible bearer, (3) the acolyte(s), (4) the lay
worship assistant(s), and (5) the pastor(s). |
|
Recession |
The
parade of persons leaving the church sanctuary at the end of the
worship service. The order of movement is: (1) the crucifer, (2) the
Bible bearer (3) the acolyte(s), (4) the lay worship assistant(s),
and (5) the pastor(s). |
|
Reverence
the Cross |
The
time of a momentary pause as you enter the chancel, as a sign of
respect for the living sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. This
time is brief, during which a brief prayer is said, a blessing is
asked, and the head is bowed. This gesture shows respect for the holy
place we call the altar. |
|
Sacraments |
The
Church Rites involving an earthly element and God's Word, which
together work to bring God's blessings to the people of God. The
Lutheran Church celebrates two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. |
|
Sacristy |
The
worship supplies for the church are stored and prepared in this area
of the church by the members of the Altar Guild. |
|
Sanctuary |
The
entire worship area of a church, including chancel, nave, and balcony. |
|
Sanctuary
Lamp |
The
candle, enclosed in a colored glass globe, which burns continually
as a reminder of the eternal presence of God and God's presence in
the Sacrament of Holy Communion. |
|
Surplice |
A
white robe that is placed over a cassock. Sometimes a short surplice
is called a "Cotta." |
|
Taper
or Wick |
The
long wax stem that is inserted in the candle lighter and is lighted
for the purpose of lighting church candles. |
|
Torches |
The
large lighted candles that follow the processional Cross into and
out of the sanctuary at worship services. |
|
Vestments |
The
clothing worn by those who lead and assist in worship services. |
|
Vestry |
The
area of the church where worship leaders robe and prepare for
leading worship. The worship robes are stored in this area. |
|
Water |
The
"earthly element" for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. |
|
Wafers
and Wine |
The
"earthly elements" for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. |
|
Worship
Assistant |
A
layperson from the congregation who works with the pastor in leading
the worship life of the congregation. |
