Aaronic Benediction:
The familiar blessing that begins, "The Lord bless you and keep you." It
is given the name "Aaronic" because it is the blessing God commanded
Moses to give to his brother Aaron to speak to the people (Numbers
6:24—26).
Absolution:
Following the confession of sins, the Absolution pronounces God’s
forgiveness either in a direct form ("I absolve/forgive you") or in a
declarative form ("God forgives you all yours sins"). The word comes
from the Latin, absolvere, which means "to loosen, set free, or absolve"
(John 20:23).
Advent:
The first season of the church year, Advent serves to prepare us for the
coming celebration of Christ’s birth. The word comes from the Latin,
advenire, which means "to come." Advent themes include not only Christ’s
coming at Bethlehem but also his coming now in Word and Sacrament and
his final coming in glory.
Agnus Dei (AH-nyoos DAY-ee):
Latin for "Lamb of God," this hymn in the communion liturgy draws on the
words of John the Baptist who pointed his disciples to Jesus, the Lamb
of God (Jn 1:29). In the context of the communion liturgy, we are
praying to Christ who is there present in his body and blood to have
mercy on us and grant us peace.
Alb:
This close-fitting, white garment is the standard vestment for pastors,
especially at the Divine Service. The name comes from the Latin word for
white, alba.
Alleluia:
Hebrew for "praise the Lord" (though in its Greek spelling). It is a
word of joy and gladness. An ancient custom is to refrain from using
Alleluia during Lent in order to distinguish the penitential nature of
this season from the exuberance of the Easter season that follows.
All Saints’ Day:
An ancient observance on November 1 that originally commemorated the
martyrs of the church (those who had died for the faith). It has since
been expanded to include all who die in the faith. Because all who
belong to Christ are saints, the festival also rightly emphasizes our
unity with all believers, both living and dead.
Altar:
The table on which sacraments are prepared. Together with the font and
pulpit, the altar is the chief focal point of the church building. On
this table heaven and earth are united as the body and blood of Jesus
are given under the elements of bread and wine for our forgiveness, and
the prayers of God’s people are offered on behalf of the church and the
world.
Amen:
Of Hebrew origin, "Amen" means that what has preceded is "true and
certain." Thus, as the congregation’s response to prayers, the Amen is
an affirmation that the prayer just prayed is the prayer of the entire
assembly, spoken on their behalf. In the Small Catechism, Luther
explained Amen with: "Yes, yes, it shallῨųe ??.&
Annunciation:
A liturgical celebration on March 25 (nine months before Christmas) to
observe the announcement of the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would
give birth to the Son of God (Lk 1:26—38).
Antiphon (AN-tih-fonn):
A refrain-like verse from Scripture that begins and concludes a psalm or
canticle. Sometimes it is also interspersed within a psalm.
Apostle:
One who is sent. A term applied to the twelve disciples (students) of
Christ who were selected by him for special training in preparation for
their mission of spreading the Gospel. The term was also applied to Paul
who was converted by Jesus from a persecutor of Christians into a bold
preacher of the Gospel. He was given the title since one of the
qualifications for an apostle was to be an eye-witness of Christ, and
Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus.
Apostles’ Creed:
Though not written by the apostles (a common assumption in the Middle
Ages) the Apostles’ Creed faithfully summarizes the apostolic teaching
of Holy Scripture. Its origins date back to the second century where it
developed as a statement of faith in conjunction with Holy Baptism. In
most churches it is still used at every baptism.
Ascension:
Observed on the 40th day of Easter, always a Thursday, the Ascension
commemorates Jesus’ final appearance to his disciples before ascending
to the Father (Acts 1:1—11).
Ash Wednesday:
This day, which marks the beginning of Lent, is 40 days before Easter.
(Sundays are not included in the count.) The theme of the day is
repentance, which in some churches is visually depicted by the placing
of ashes on the forehead while the words of Gen. 3:19 are spoken: "From
dust you are and to dust you will return."
Athanasian Creed:
One of the three ecumenical (universally accepted) creeds, it probably
originated around A.D. 500. Though it bears the name of Athanasius
(fourth century), it was certainly not written by him. This creed is a
grand expression of the Trinitarian faith.
Atonement:
Making amends for a wrong. Describes Christ's perfect life and innocent
death in our place to reconcile us with God. "...God was reconciling the
world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them." (2
Corinthians 5:19).
Baptism:
The means by which a person is incorporated into the family of God,
represented by the church. In the Lutheran church, baptism can take
place at any age, but only once. Babies and children are baptized as a
way of showing us that our place in the family of God isn't earned by
anything we do or how good we are. At St. Luke's, baptisms take place as
part of a Sunday worship service. We baptize by sprinkling or pouring
water on the person's forehead.
Baptismal Font:
The basin or tub used during the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Baptismal Garment:
The baptism service provides the option of laying a white cloth on the
newly baptized, symbolizing the righteousness (purity) of Christ with
which they have now been clothed (Gal. 3:27). This practice is
reminiscent of an ancient practice of clothing the newly baptized in a
white garment. A vestige of this tradition is the use of a christening
gown which is often handed down from generation to generation. (See also
Rev. 7:9—17.)
Benedictus (Beh-neh-DIK-tuss):
Zechariah’s song of praise following the birth and naming of his son,
John the Baptist (Luke 1:68—79). Benedictus is Latin for "blessed be."
Bowing:
Since early times Christians have bowed as a sign of reverence. Usually
a slight inclination of the head or upper body, bowing is often done
when approaching the altar and at certain places in the liturgy, like
during the voicing of the triune name in the Gloria Patri. As with all
customs that are neither commanded nor forbidden, bowing (or not bowing)
should not be used as a test of one’s piety.
Canticle:
A biblical song, other than a psalm. The most familiar canticles are the
songs of Zechariah (the Benedictus; Lk. 1:68—79), Mary (the Magnificat;
Lk. 1:46—55), and Simeon (the Nunc Dimittis; Lk. 2:29—32). There are
numerous Old Testament canticles, including the songs of Miriam and
Hannah and several from the book of Isaiah. The Revelation to St. John
also includes several canticles.
Cantor/Kantor:
One who leads singing, especially that of the congregation. One of
Luther’s associates, Johann Walter, is considered the first Lutheran
cantor. J. S. Bach is probably the most renowned cantor. The term is
finding increased use among those who are called to oversee the
congregation’s music-making and to work with the pastors in service
planning.
Cassock:
A full-length, black garment that is worn under other vestments, most
often the surplice. In addition to the clergy, the cassock may also be
worn by others, including acolytes and choir members.
Catechumen:
A catechumen is a "learner," one who is being instructed in the
Christian faith. In the early church, a catechumen was one who underwent
rigorous instruction in preparation for Holy Baptism. The word comes
from the Greek and means "to echo" or "sound in the ear." Catechumens
were traditionally taught through question and answer, with the answer
echoing back what was first taught. A catechism is a book of
instruction, often in the form of questions and answers.
Catholic:
In the original versions of the ecumenical creeds, the word "catholic"
is used to describe the entire church or the Christian faith. In this
context, to call oneself "catholic" is to confess the fullness of the
Christian faith without alteration. In order to avoid confusion, it is
best to use the full name, Roman Catholic Church, when referring to that
church body.
Chalice:
A Middle English word from the Latin calix, meaning "cup," the chalice
is the cup used to distribute the blood of Christ in the Sacrament of
the Altar.
Chancel:
The area of a church building that surrounds the altar, usually reserved
for the pastor and worship assistants.
Chanting:
A method of singing liturgical texts that are not metered (as in a
hymn). Most chant consists of short phrases that are sung responsively
between pastor and people. Psalms may also be chanted as well as parts
of the liturgy (e.g., the Gloria in excelsis, The Lutheran Hymnal, p.
17).
Chasuble (CHAZ-uh-bul):
A loose-fitting, poncho-like vestment worn by the celebrant at the
celebration of the Lord’s Supper. It is usually in the color of the day.
Church Year:
The church’s calendar, which developed over centuries, provides a yearly
rehearsal of the life and teaching of Christ. The first half begins with
Advent and continues with Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Ascension,
and Pentecost. The second half of the year (Sundays after
Pentecost/Trinity) focuses on the ministry of Christ, concluding with an
emphasis on the End Times.
Ciborium (sih-BOAR-ee-oom):
Similar in shape to a chalice and covered with a lid, the ciborium
contains the wafers used in holy communion. Usually the wafers are
transferred to a paten (plate) from which they are distributed.
Cincture:
A rope, usually white, worn with the alb or cassock-alb, tied with a
slip knot at the right side of the waist and allowed to hang down the
right side. The ends of the rope may have either knots or tassels. This
rope is sometimes called a girdle.
Collect (KOLL-ekt):
A concisely written prayer that "collects" the prayers of the people.
The Collect of the Day is prayed toward the beginning of the Divine
Service, prior to the reading of Holy Scripture. The collect usually
follows a pattern of: address to God, basis for the prayer, petition,
desired benefit or result, and Trinitarian termination.
Communicant:
A baptized and confirmed member of the Church in good standing who is
eligible to partake of the Holy Communion; loosely identified with the
roll or membership of the local church.
Communion (or Holy Communion):
A sacrament in which a person receives the body and blood of Jesus
Christ along with the visible elements (bread and wine) for the
forgiveness of sins. See Eucharist.
Compline (KAHM-plin):
Similar in nature to bedtime prayers, Compline is the last of the daily
prayer offices that came into use during the Middle Ages. Prayed in
later evening, the service is simple in nature and includes this
appropriate antiphon for use with the Nunc Dimittis: "Guide us waking, O
Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and
asleep we may rest in peace."
Concertato (kahn-sir-TAH-toe):
Usually a hymn-based composition that brings together contrasting
musical forces of congregation, choir, and instruments. Hymn concertatos
bring variety and musical richness to hymn singing.
Confession:
Admitting your sin. Also used to describe a public statement of faith
(for example, the Lutheran Confessions).
Confirmation (The Rite Of):
A special service where those who have received basic instruction in the
truths of God’s Word publicly confess their faith before the church. The
rite informs the congregation that these
catechumens
have sufficient scriptural understanding and spiritual maturity to
partake of the Lord’s Supper.
Cope:
A vestment worn over an alb or surplice, usually in processions and/or
for the Daily Offices. The cope is usually in the color of the season.
Creed:
A formal statement of beliefs (for example, The Apostles' Creed). Creeds
were written by the Early Church to combat false teachings.
Crucifer:
The person who carries a cross in a religious procession, and who leads
the procession into the church. Comes from two Latin words which
literally mean "to carry a cross."
Crucifix:
A Middle English term derived from the Latin, meaning "fastened to a
cross." A crucifix is a cross that bears the image of the crucified
Christ, pointing to the reality of the One who came in the flesh to be
the Savior of the world.
Crucifixion:
A form of execution used by the Romans. The method used to execute Jesus
Christ. Crucifixion was a humiliating, painful way to die. In
crucifixion, the criminal's arms and legs were nailed or tied to a large
wooden cross and the person is left to die, hanging on the cross.
Although crucifixion is supposed to be a defeat, Jesus' crucifixion
reminds us that God allowed Jesus to take all of our sin upon himself
and his death takes away that sin. Jesus' crucifixion was a triumph, not
a defeat.
Disciple(s):
Student. The followers of Christ during his ministry on earth.
Divine Service:
The name commonly given to the regular weekly service that includes the
celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Derived from the German Gottesdienst
("God’s service"), its meaning is dual in nature. In worship, God serves
us with his gifts of forgiveness and life, and we respond in service to
him through our sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise.
Doxology:
From the Greek for "words of praise." It is an expression of praise to
God, using words said or sung in praise of the Holy Trinity . The Gloria
Patri ("Glory be to the Father and to the Son…"), is a common doxology
used to conclude psalms and many canticles. Many hymns have a
concluding, doxological stanza that praises the Holy Trinity. The most
familiar of these stanzas is known as the Common Doxology ("Praise God
from whom all blessings flow...")
Easter:
The season of the Church Year which focuses on Christ's rising from the
dead after his death on the cross.
Epiphany:
From the Greek, meaning "to appear." Observed on January 6, Epiphany is
the church’s celebration of the proclamation of Jesus’ birth to the
Gentiles; hence, the reading of the story of the visit of the Magi from
Matthew 2. Originally, and still in the Orthodox churches, Epiphany
served as the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It wasn’t until the fourth
century that Dec. 25 was established in the western church for this
celebration.
Epistle:
Greek for "letter." The New Testament contains 22 epistles written by
Saints Paul, Peter, John, and others, that were addressed to Christian
churches scattered throughout the Roman Empire. The second reading in
the service is usually taken from one of these epistles. The epistles of
the New Testament follow the form for letters in the first century.
Letters in those days did not come in envelopes, so they began with the
name of the sender, followed by the name of the recipient, and then a
greeting. (The Epistle to the Hebrews lacks these features.) After the
body, the letter contained detailed greetings to the recipients. Paul
subtly reworded the usual greeting, “greetings to you,” so that it read
“grace to you.”
Eucharist (YOU-kahr-ist):
One of the many terms for the Lord’s Supper. It comes from the Greek
word meaning "thanksgiving." Even as Jesus gave thanks when he
instituted the Lord’s Supper, so do we give thanks that in this holy
meal our Lord gives us his body and blood for forgiveness and life.
Flagon:
From a Latin word meaning "bottle" or "flask." A flagon is a large
pouring vessel that contains wine for use during distribution of the
Lord’s Supper. The blood of Christ is poured from the flagon into a
chalice.
Funeral Pall:
A large, white cloth that covers a closed casket during the funeral
service. Based on St. John’s vision of the saints in heaven (Rev. 7:9),
the pall symbolizes the white robe of righteousness given to all
believers in Christ. The pall is also a reminder of the white garment
sometimes given at the time of Baptism and symbolizes the new life in
Christ first given at Baptism and now fully realized in death.
Gloria in excelsis (GLOR-ee-ah in ex-SHELL-sis):
Also known as the "greater doxology," this is the hymn of praise sung at
the beginning of the Divine Service. It originates from the fourth
century and has been in regular use for over a millennium. The canticle
begins with the angel’s song in Luke 2:14 and then continues with a hymn
of praise to the triune God, focusing chiefly on the saving work of
Jesus, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." It is
omitted during Advent, in anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’
birth at Christmas, and during Lent, a season of penitence.
Gloria Patri (GLOR-ee-ah PAH-tree):
Latin for "glory to the Father." The complete text is: "Glory be to the
Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen." Also known as the "lesser
doxology," this ascription of praise is appended to psalms and other
liturgical texts.
Good Friday:
A day in the Church year set aside to commemorate the crucifixion of
Christ and the suffering he went through on our behalf. It is called
"Good" because during Christ's crucifixion he was taking on himself the
punishment for the sins of the whole world (See Isaiah 55:5).
Gospel Reading:
The English word gospel is the modern form of godspell, which means good
news. The Gospel reading is an excerpt from one of the four books of the
bible referred to as the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Pews
were invented by Roman Catholicism during the late middle ages for the
comfort of the worshipers. Therefore, many congregations continue to
stand during the Gospel reading to show respect. Especially on high
festivals like Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc., the Gospel may be
read from the center of the nave, symbolizing what it means that "the
Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The movement to and
from this location is referred to as the Gospel Procession.
Gradual:
A selection of psalm verses traditionally sung between the Epistle and
Gospel. With the regular use of the Old Testament reading, the Gradual
now appears after that reading, before the Epistle. The word Gradual is
from the Latin for "step," which refers to the step of the lectern from
which the Gradual was traditionally sung.
Holy Innocents:
Observed on December 28, this festival commemorates the baby boys of
Bethlehem who were executed by King Herod in his attempt to murder the
newborn king of the Jews (Matthew 2).
Homily:
From the Greek for "discourse." A homily is a sermon on a biblical text.
There is no distinction between a homily and sermon.
Hosanna:
From Hebrew, its basic meaning is "to save." It functions as a plea to
God our king to have mercy on us and save us from our lost condition.
Also used to express praise or adoration to God
Host:
The consecrated bread, usually in wafer form, used in the Lord's Supper.
Lieral meaning is a "sacrificial victim."
Hymn:
A song in which the singers praise, worship or thank God.
Icon:
A style of sacred art usually associated with Eastern Orthodox churches.
Painted according to strict guidelines, the two-dimensional paintings
are intended as windows into heaven and form the basis for a rich
devotional piety.
Institution, words of:
The words spoken by Jesus on the evening when he instituted the Lord's
Supper.
Introit (in-TRO-it):
From the Latin, meaning "to enter." Traditionally this was the entrance
hymn to the Divine Service, consisting of antiphon, psalm, Gloria Patri,
and antiphon repeated. During the Middle Ages it was shortened
considerably and lost its function as an entrance hymn.
Invitatory (in-VYE-tah-toe-ree):
An antiphon preceding the Venite in Matins/Morning Prayer, this variable
introduction concludes with the invitation, "O come, let us worship
Him."
Invocation:
From the Latin, "to call upon." Used at the beginning of many, though
not all, services. It serves as a reminder of Baptism and may be
accompanied by the sign of the cross.
Justification:
To be declared not guilty. Describes the result of Christ's death and
rising from the dead on our behalf. "He (Jesus) was delivered over to
death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification" (Romans
4:25).
Kyrie eleison (KEE-ree-ay ay-LAY-ee-zon):
From the Greek, it is a direct address to God, meaning "Lord, have
mercy." The ten lepers, blind man Bartimaeus, and others addressed Jesus
with these words. The Kyrie appears early in the Divine Service. It is
not part of the confession of sins but a cry to God to have mercy on us
and all humanity.
Lay:
From laios, a Greek word meaning "the people". Used in reference to any
non-ordained person.
Lectern:
The lectern is the reading stand from which the Word of God is read. In
some churches it is highly ornamented, though usually less so than the
pulpit.
Lectionary:
A lectionary is a schedule of Bible readings that are used in worship
throughout the year. The intent is that the passages appointed for the
day are to be read to the congregation and that the sermon is to be
based upon them. The purpose of a lectionary is to assure that all parts
of the Bible are used in proportion to their relative importance, and at
the right time of year (that is, resurrection stories at Easter,
nativity stories at Christmas, and so forth).
Lent:
A forty day period in the Church Year starting with Ash Wednesday and
ending on Easter Sunday. It is a time to focus on the suffering of
Christ to pay for the sins of the world. In the early church, Lent
developed as a time of intense instruction for those who would be
baptized at the Easter Vigil. The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word
for "spring" and the Old English word for "lengthen," as in the
lengthening of days with the approach of spring (in the northern
hemisphere).
Litany:
In general, a responsory prayer with repeated congregational responses.
In the Divine Service, the Kyrie is sometimes cast in the form of a
litany, with the congregation responding to each petition with the
words, "Lord, have mercy." An expanded form of this litany is found in
Evening Prayer. The most comprehensive form of the litany is the
medieval version that was revised by Luther and still appears in hymnals
today.
Liturgy:
the content and format of the worship service. The word "liturgy" comes
from Latin words meaning "the work of the people". Liturgy is the way we
organize our praise and worship to God. Through the liturgy, we are
gathered around God's word and sacraments, and God offers us gifts of
forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. We respond to God's generosity
with our prayers, praises, and thanks. Liturgy is the basic skeleton of
worship.
Magnificat (mahg-NIF-ih-kaht):
The opening word in the Latin text of the song of Mary from Luke
1:46—55, "My soul magnifies the Lord." This New Testament canticle has
been sung at the daily service of Vespers (Evening Prayer) for some
1,500 years.
Matins:
The first of eight daily prayer services that developed during the
Middle Ages for use in the monasteries. At the time of the Reformation,
these services were reduced to two: Matins in the morning and Vespers in
the evening. Matins is a Middle English word that comes from Latin for
"of the morning."
Maundy Thursday:
The last Thursday in Lent. Commemorates Jesus' last supper with his
disciples and the institution of the Lord's Supper. From the Latin word
mandatum, which means "command." The reference is to the Holy Gospel
appointed for the day from John 13:34, "A new command I give you: Love
one another."
Messiah:
Hebrew word for anointed. Equivalent to the Greek term 'Christ'.
Narthex:
Greek for "enclosure." The narthex is an entryway or gathering room that
leads into a church.
Nave:
From the Latin navis, which means ship. The nave is the main section of
a church where the worshipers are gathered. The term may have derived
from the ship-like appearance of early naves or from the early church
understanding of the church as the ark of salvation.
Nicene Creed (nye-SEEN):
Composed in A.D. 325 at a council of bishops (pastors) in Nicaea as a
defense against the false teaching that Jesus was not true God. The
creed was expanded to its present form at the Council of Constantinople
in A.D. 381. It has been used in the Divine Service as a corporate
confession of the faith for centuries.
Nunc Dimittis (noonk di-MIT-iss):
Latin for "now dismiss." These are the words spoken by Simeon as he held
the 40-day-old Jesus in his arms (Luke 2:25—35). One of the New
Testament canticles, it was traditionally used in the daily service of
Compline and as an alternate to the Magnificat in Vespers. In the
Lutheran Church it is also appointed for use following the distribution
of the Lord’s Supper.
O Antiphons:
Refrains that developed during the eighth century for use with the
Magnificat at Vespers on the days leading up to Christmas (Dec. 17—23).
Each is addressed to Christ, using an Old Testament image (O Wisdom, O
Adonai, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Dayspring, O King of the
Nations, O Emmanuel). The antiphons are also reflected in the seven
stanzas of "Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel" (LW 31).
Offertory:
The music played or sung while the offering is being received. This is a
time when the people of the church can thank God for His blessings and
offer back to Him their money, their time and their lives to be used for
God's work in the world.
Ordinary:
Those parts of the service that remain constant from week to week. For
centuries the ordinary of the weekly communion service were the Kyrie,
Gloria in Excelsis, Nicene Creed, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. Countless
composers have written complete musical settings using these texts. The
parts of the service that change from week to week are called the
propers.
Palm Sunday:
The Sunday before Easter. The day commemorates the triumphal entry of
Jesus into Jerusalem but then shifts focus toward the suffering that
Jesus endured on our behalf. The name comes from the palm branches the
people waved when Jesus rode into Jerusalem. Crosses made from palm
branches may be given out as reminders of this day.
Paraments:
This is the general term given to all of the liturgical cloths that are
placed on the altar, pulpit, and lectern. The paraments are usually
fashioned in various colors for use during specific seasons and days of
the church year.
Paschal Candle (PASS-kel):
A large candle that has special significance during the Easter Vigil. It
is also used at baptisms and funerals. Ordinarily it is located near the
font. During the Fifty Days of Easter (Easter through Pentecost) it is
placed near the altar, and at funerals it stands near the casket.
Paschal comes from the Greek work for Passover and refers specifically
to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Paten (PATT-en):
Latin for "dish." A paten is a plate, usually made of a precious metal
like silver, from which the body of Christ is distributed.
Pax Domini (POX DOE-mee-nee):
Latin for "peace of the Lord." Prior to the distribution of the Lord’s
body and blood, the pastor blesses the people with the words, "The peace
of the Lord be with you always."
Pentecost:
From the Greek for "fiftieth day." Pentecost is the liturgical
celebration of that 50th day of Easter when the Holy Spirit was poured
out on the disciples, marking the birth of the church. Liturgically,
Pentecost is not the beginning of a new season, but the culmination of
Easter.
Pericope (per-IK-oh-pee):
A pericope is a section of Holy Scripture that is read in a service.
Since the eighth century, pericopes have been gathered together in
lectionaries in which readings are appointed for each Sunday or
festival. From the Greek, meaning to "cut around."
Piscina:
A sink for washing the vessels used during Holy Communion. and for
reverently disposing of wine that has been consecrated. The piscina does
not drain into a sewer or disposal system, but channels the wine
directly into the ground, from where it originally came.
Prie-Dieu:
An individual kneeling bench with shelf. Used by the pastor or others to
kneel and face the altar.
Preface:
The opening dialogue between pastor and people that begins the liturgy
of Holy Communion. These words, dating from the second century, are
likely the most ancient part of the Divine Service.
Prie-Dieu:
An individual kneeling bench with shelf. Used by the pastor or others to
kneel and face the altar.
Propers:
Those parts of the service that change from week to week, including the
Introit, Collect, Gradual, readings, hymns, etc. The changing propers
give shape and direction to the church year calendar.
Psalm
A Biblical poem written to be chanted or sung during worship. A
well-known psalm is Psalm 23, which begins "The Lord is my Shepherd, I
shall not want."
Pyx (or Pyxis):
a storage container for Communion wafers, which is often stored in a
tabernacle. There is another type of pyx that is used to hold the ashes
for the Ash Wednesday service.
Redeem:
To buy back. Describes what Jesus did for all people by coming to earth,
living a perfect live to fulfill God's demands of all people, and dying
on the cross for the sins of all people of all time. "You are not your
own; you were bought at a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).
Repent:
To change your mind. Used to describe turning away from sin and
resolving to follow God's commands with His help.
Reproaches:
Part of the Good Friday liturgy, these responses between pastor and
congregation are drawn from Micah 6:3—4. Three times the question is
asked: "What have I done to you, O My people," and in response, the
congregation responds with a plea for God’s mercy.
Resurrection:
The word indicating that Jesus rose from the dead. On Easter morning,
the women came to anoint Jesus' body with spices and found that he was
gone. Angels told them that Jesus had risen, and soon they met Jesus in
person, in his bodily resurrected form.
Righteousness:
Thoughts, words, and actions that are in accordance with God's will. All
such acts ultimately come from God, working through the believer.
Sacraments :
The means of God's grace. In the Lutheran church, there are two
sacraments: Baptism and Communion. Sacraments are official ways that
God's grace is communicated to us, by using a visible element together
with God's word to bring the forgiveness of sins to an individual. That
doesn't mean they are the only way we receive God's grace, but they are
tangible ways that we experience God's overflowing blessings for us
through water (Baptism) and through bread and wine (Communion).
Sacristy (SACK-riss-tee):
From the Latin sacristia, meaning "holy things." The room where the
communion vessels and paraments are kept. The vestments for pastor and
liturgical assistants may also kept here or in a separate room, the
vestry.
Salutation:
From the Latin salutatio, meaning "a greeting." A liturgical greeting by
which the pastor blesses the people: "The Lord be with you." The
traditional response, "and with your spirit," acknowledges that this
blessing is spoken by the Lord’s servant. The Salutation occurs before
the Collect of the Day and at the beginning of the communion liturgy.
Salvation:
Rescue from the power and penalty of sin. Describes Jesus' work in our
behalf.
Sanctification:
The process of conforming to God's will in our thoughts, words, and
deeds. This process is a result of the Holy Spirit (see trinity) working
in our heart.
Sanctus (SAHNK-tus):
A Latin word meaning "holy." The Sanctus is the liturgical song sung at
the beginning of the communion liturgy. It is drawn from the song of the
angels in Isaiah 6:3. The concluding text, "blessed is He who comes…" is
from Psalms 118:26 and Mk. 11:9—10.
Sign of the Cross:
In the Small Catechism Luther encouraged that the sign of the cross be
made each morning and evening as a reminder of one’s baptism. The cross
is signed by touching the fingers first to the forehead, then to the
heart, then to one shoulder and finally to the other. Appropriate points
in the Divine Service to make the sign of the cross include the
Invocation, Absolution, conclusion of the Creed, upon reception of Holy
Communion, and the Benediction.
Stanza:
The proper designation given to the major divisions of a hymn. The term
"verse" is more properly used to designate divisions within a psalm.
Stole:
A scarf-like fabric usually crafted in the color of the day or season,
often bearing symbols appropriate to the day or season. It is worn over
the shoulders of those ordained to the pastoral office.
Stripping of the Altar:
A ceremony that may conclude the Maundy Thursday service in which the
altar is "stripped" of all its appointments (candles, vessels, linens,
etc.). Other ornaments may also be removed from the sanctuary. The
ceremony symbolizes the stripping of Jesus by his captors (both of his
clothing and his honor) as well as the abandonment by his disciples.
Usually Psalm 22 is prayed while the altar is stripped.
Surplice (SIR-pliss):
A flowing, white vestment worn over a cassock (a fitted vestment usually
in black). The cassock/surplice combination is frequently worn at the
daily offices (Matins, Vespers, etc.). It is also the vestment
frequently worn by other assistants (e.g., acolytes) and by choir
members.
Te Deum Laudamus:
Latin for "You, God, we praise." The opening words of an ancient hymn of
praise most often sung at Matins/Morning Prayer. The author is unknown,
though liturgical legend holds that it was composed spontaneously by
Ambrose and Augustine as Ambrose baptized Augustine in the late fourth
century.
Tabernacle:
An ornamental box for storing the bread and wine of Communion. The
tabernacle contains the wine and a pyx with the bread.
Tenebrae (TEN-uh-bray):
A Good Friday service, though originally observed earlier in Holy Week.
Candles are extinguished following a series of readings and/or psalms.
Tract:
An older term for the Verse (see below) during Lent, when Alleluias are
omitted.
Triduum (TRIDD-ooh-um):
Latin for "three days," namely, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy
Saturday. (Some include the day of Easter as well.) The Triduum
celebrates the saving work of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It
culminates with the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening.
Venite:
Latin for "oh, come." The title for the song of praise taken from Psalm
95 that is sung at the beginning of Matins/Morning Prayer. The first
line reads, "Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord."
Verba:
Latin for "words." A technical term used to refer to the Words of
Institution. Usually used in conjunction with other words, like verba
testamenti ("words of the [new] testament) or verba Domini ("words of
the Lord").
Verse:
A biblical text sung prior to and in anticipation of the Holy Gospel.
Except during Lent, the Verse is preceded and followed by the singing of
alleluias. Individual proper Verses are appointed for each Sunday and
festival; a general Verse is provided for use throughout the year.
Versicle:
From the Latin versiculus, meaning "little verse." One or more verses,
usually from a psalm, read responsively. Versicles often appear at the
beginning of a service (e.g., Matins and Vespers, special rites of
dedication, etc.)
Vespers:
A Latin word meaning "evening." Originally one of eight daily offices
prayed during the Middle Ages, Vespers was retained at the time of the
Reformation as one of two daily services, the other being Matins.
Sometimes also referred to as Evening Prayer.
Vestments:
From the Latin vestimentum, meaning "garment." Vestments are worn by the
pastor and other liturgical assistants. Among their many purposes is the
fact that they identify the person vested as a servant of the church and
cover any individuality of clothing style which may be a distraction in
the service of God’s Word.