What is this for?

(Some Background notes on church customs)

Font

At the entrance to the church is set the font (= fountain) of baptism. New Christians are initiated into the community of faith. Adults and children are presented for the unique once-off blessing of the Holy Spirit to start us into the life of Christ.

Lectern

Here stands in an honoured place the book of the bible passages for the lectors (readers) to read to the community of faith.

Altar

At the table are set the bread and wine to be offered in prayer before God. This great thanksgiving asks God to offer to us the life of Christ in the food we take.

Holy Communion

Is the time of meeting with God in the shared bread and cup of God’s presence. The encounter with God is the moment of blessing. The Blessed Sacrament (= God’s sign, assurance, indication) of the Body and Blood of Christ is received regularly by Christians throughout the world.

Candles

At the altar mark the special place of meeting with each other in God. Lights (then simple oil lamps) were first used to enable the priest to read the scriptures and prayers in the dark worship rooms. They mark out the special place of the altar central in our church building.

Lay ministers (or liturgists)

Are leaders with the priest of the community at prayer before God.

Incense

Is offered in many world religions as a sign of prayer and to honour the presence of God. Incense is aromatic gum from Arabian shrubs, which is sprinkled on burning charcoal to make it smoke. In the eucharist we honour the word of God addressing us in the gospel of Christ, in the gifts of bread and wine offered at the altar, and in the Christian people gathered in worship.

Torches

Are the ceremonial candles. These mark the entry of the worship leaders and the beginning of our worship, the celebration of the holy scriptures, and the meeting around the Lord’s table in holy communion. Originally in the imperial days of ancient Rome, flaming sticks dipped in tar and tallow were carried in front of the magistrates; this mark of honour was continued into the Christian communities, to honour the entry of the bishop.

Vestments

Mark the special character of Christian worship. In origin the Sunday clothes of a Roman gentleman, their use expresses the continuity of our traditions from biblical days. The long alb (= white robe) is covered with a formal cloak known as the chasuble. A long coloured stole is the ancient sign of priestly service.