Why is our Sanctuary shaped this way? Many Christian sanctuaries are shaped similar to the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. They include a larger area similar to the Holy Place of the Temple, and they have a smaller altar area similar to the Holy of Holies. Some churches of this design also added side extensions … [Read more…]
Why do we have communion rails and use communion ware? Communion rails provide a place for God’s people to gather to receive the Sacrament of Christ’s body and blood. The communion ware are the vessels through which the bread and wine are distributed. What do they mean to our worship? The Sacrament of the Altar … [Read more…]
What do we use purple paraments? Purple is the color of the robe Jesus wore to the cross. It is associated with His suffering and death. We use purple during the season of Lent because we focus on His suffering and death, and because purple is also associated with royalty. Our Savior was crowned with … [Read more…]
What’s the problem?
Focusing our our constant new.
What is the season of Lent? Lent is forty days of prayer and meditation on the suffering and death of Jesus, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter. During this time we go to Gethsemane, to the courts of Caiaphas and Pilate, then journey to Calvary to see the great price paid for our salvation. … [Read more…]
What is an Altar? An altar is a place set up or set aside as a dwelling for God on earth. In Christian sanctuaries, it is the place associated with the presence of God. What does the Altar mean to our worship? The altar is our constant reminder that God is present among us. We … [Read more…]
What is a pulpit? The term “pulpit” literally means “platform, staging.” It is normally a raised platform for the preaching of God’s Word. What does the pulpit mean to our worship? The pulpit is the place in the sanctuary from which the sermon is preached. Where the lectern is used for the reading of God’s … [Read more…]
What is a lectern? A lectern is a stand or podium from which a book or speech is read. In Christian churches the lectern is used for the reading of the Bible to God’s people. This is in keeping with the Old Testament tradition of reading the Torah from a lectern/podium in the center of … [Read more…]
Why do we have green paraments? Green is the color of growth. Green paraments are used in the seasons of Epiphany and Pentecost. Epiphany is the time when Jesus is revealed through His teaching and miracles. This causes many to come to faith, and others to have their faith strengthened. The season of Pentecost is … [Read more…]