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Apostles’ Creed; consecration of the elements and Communion; post-communion hymn; thanksgiving; Nunc Dimittis; Benediction.
The Methodist ritual for Holy Communion, in the main, follows the Protestant Episcopal form which, in turn, is based on pre-reformation usage. Thus it is apparent that the basic difference between the Evangelical and the Catholic administration of Holy Communion is concerned with the assumption of sacerdotal
power. ‘Till the beginning of the third century, Christianity corresponded both in idea and spirit to the Judaism of prophecy, the entire sanctified people constituting a holy priesthood unto God. After the beginning of the third century, the idea and form of sacerdotal Judaism, which afterward characterized the Latin Church, were revived’.”7
SACRISTY – The room where liturgical vessels, such as Communion vessels, linens and other equipment, are kept.
SANCTUARY – Strictly used, the sanctuary refers to the area of the church were the altar and/or Communion table is located. Sanctuary is derived from the Latin word sanctuarium meaning “holy place.” In liturgical churches, the sanctuary is separated from the chancel which is separated from the nave. This is in keeping with the tradition of the temple in the Old Testament. In this case, the sanctuary is considered the Holy of Holies and is a place that only the priest
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may stand. Evangelical churches almost always combine the sanctuary and the chancel.
SCAPULAR – The scapular is a single piece of cloth that hangs down from the shoulders of both the front and back of the wearer. Its width is the same width of a person’s torso between the shoulder blades. Its length usually extends way below the knee, almost to the foot. It is worn by many monastic orders. The scapular is symbolic of the yoke of Christ.
SEXTON – A person who is responsible for taking care of the physical church building and facilities.
SKULL-CAP (Zucchetto) – A tight fitting cap with no brim. They are sometimes worn under the biretta or the mitre. The skull-cap is white if worn by the pope and red if worn by a cardinal.
STEEPLE (Spire) – A part of many church buildings, the steeple reminds all who gaze upon it to turn their thoughts toward God and Heaven. 1. If the steeple is topped with a cross, it symbolizes Jesus calling all to Himself. 2. If it is topped with a weather vane, it is a warning to watch the skies for coming storms and to prepare for them. 3. If a rooster tops the steeple, it symbolizes either humility or the Reformation.
4. If the church has two equal steeples, it represents the twofold nature of Jesus. |
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