These definitions of Christian terms are here to give you information on some of the less familiar words used by the church, and to help you understand our Christian traditions, symbols, and heritage.

They are taken from the Weekly News Update sheets found in our church bulletin and are written by the Rev. David Young or Rev. Ronald Brauer, with parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996, The Christian Cyclopedia; Internet Version @ Copyright LCMS, and “Gathered Guests: A Guide to Worship in the Lutheran Church” by Timothy H. Maschke, CPH 2003.
 

Adiaphora are matters that are neither right nor wrong.

 Advent is a season of the church year (the first season) in the time of Christmas. Advent is a season of preparation in repentant hope and anticipation of Christ’s coming (his first and second). There are four Sundays in Advent that come before Christmas Day. The liturgical color of the season for us at St. John’s is BLUE, although it can be purple as well. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

 The Advent Wreath is a circle of evergreen branches with four candles (one lighted for the first week in Advent, two for the second week, and so on.) Our Advent Wreath is mounted on a stand. Our Advent paraments at St. John’s are blue, as well as our Advent candles. On the 3^rd Sunday in Advent, when our congregation observes “Gaudete” (“Rejoice”), a rose or pink candle is lighted in the Advent wreath on this day. Because the Advent wreath belongs to the season of preparation for Christmas, on the festival of our Savior’s birth the wreath is removed from the church. (parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

The altar is the focal point of the services of our church. The term comes from the Latin word, altare, which means the place or structure where a sacrifice is offered. In Lutheran theology this sacrifice is understood to be the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world.  The altar has two important symbolic function: sacramental and sacrificial. The sacramental function of the altar is that it is one of the places where God gives us the gifts that result of from Christ’s sacrifice, namely, the Lord’s Supper. The sacrificial purpose of the altar is that the altar is the place where we offer our prayer, praise, and thanksgiving to God for his gifts. Since the altar has this great role in Christian worship, it should occupy the central position in the chancel. Therefore, nothing else in the chancel or church building should take our attention away from the altar or detract from its importance.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

Also known as a communion rail or chancel rail. This rail divides the chancel into the sanctuary and the choir (the lower floor of the chancel). In small chancels the rail extends from the liturgical north to the south walls, often having a gate in the middle, which closes off the sanctuary from the choir. In St. John’s, the altar rail is “halved” which allows for two tables of communion to be served. In some larger church chancels there may be rails on three or even all four sides of the sanctuary.  Historically, the use of the altar rail arose during the Middle Ages with the separation of the clergy from the laity and a changing theology of the Sacrament of the Altar. Practically, however, the rail provided a place for people to kneel to receive the Sacrament and as a place to kneel for absolution, confirmation and holy matrimony. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

BAPTISMAL FONT

 The second major piece of liturgical furniture in the church is the baptismal font. The word font (not fount) is derived from the Latin fons, meaning “spring” or “fountain.” Unlike the altar, the location of the font in the worship space has varied quite a bit. In the medieval period and in some modern churches, the font is located in the narthex. This practice intended to symbolize that Holy Baptism was the means by which a person enters the Christian community. The more common practice in Lutheran Churches has been for the font to stand near or in the chancel. Being in or near the chancel, the font is more closely associated with the other two major liturgical furnishings, the altar and the pulpit. The font should remain in a location that is commensurate with its place in Lutheran theology. At St. John’s, our baptismal font sits below our lectern (the place where we do our readings. ) -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

The use of candles in the church, like that of crosses, has a long and varied history. In the early church oil lamps were most likely used, with candles becoming more popular later on (apparently in the fourth century). Also, candles, (or lamps) were not set directly on the altar at first. Like the cross, lights were set in stands near the altar or sometimes held by assistants during the worship. Only in the 12^th century did candlesticks appear directly on the altar. Why candles on the altar? For light! Many of church instruments and fixtures began with practical uses. Today, however, the symbolic use of lights, a symbolism that has its roots in the Old Testament, is also important. The most basic Christian symbolism attached to the use of lights is derived from the statement of Jesus: “I am the Light of the world.” .-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

CHALICE PALL

The chalice pall is a 7-9 inches square of glass, aluminum, or plastic covered tightly with fine linen, and is used with the vessels used to distribute and receive the Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion).  It is placed over the paten. A simple cross may be embroidered on the center of the top of the pall, or a crown of thorns (ours is a cross). - (parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

CHANCEL

The chancel (from the Latin word cancelli which means “lattices” or “crossbars” which originally separated the nave from the altar area) is the second main division of sacred space, which is in the front of our nave. It’s on the liturgical east of the building where the altar is located. In our church, the chancel is set off from the nave by being on a level one or two steps above the floor of the nave. The altar itself sits on a platform called a predella or footplace, which is at least one step higher than the surrounding area. In our chancel, the area immediately surrounding the altar is called the sanctuary. The sanctuary is separated from the rest of the chancel, called the choir, by a low rail which we call the altar rail or communion rail. — (parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996).

CHOIR

The sanctuary is separated from the rest of the chancel, called the choir, by a low rail which we call the altar rail or communion rail. — (parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996).

CORPORAL

There are three sacramental linens used for Holy Communion.  One is the Corporal; it is square, 18-21 inches on each side, and is made of the same quality of linen as the fair linen, with no embroidery except for a small cross in the center of the front edge. It is placed on the center of the altar, and the sacramental vessels are placed on it.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

ENTRANCE HYMN:

ENTRANCE HYMN or “Opening Hymn” as we refer to it. The purpose of this hymn is to unify the congregation for vibrant worship with a hymn applicable to the worship theme. Often, it is sung as a processional hymn as the pastors, choir, or special service participants proceed to the chancel or front of church up the middle aisle of the nave. - parts from “Gathered Guests: A Guide to Worship in the Lutheran Church” by Timothy H. Maschke, CPH 2003.)

GOOD FRIDAY

Or “Holy Friday.” It is the Friday of Holy Week and it is a major festival of the church year on which the church remembers the crucifixion of Jesus. Good Friday is the most solemn day of the church year because the Man who was innocent of sin had to suffer and sorrow for all the sins of the world. The liturgical color for Good Friday is black.-parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

HOLY SPIRIT

The third person of the Triune God is the Holy Spirit. Proceeding from the Father, He is sent by the Son as the promised presence of God with us after the Ascension. Now the Spirit is at work within us to create and sustain faith in the redemptive work of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Spirit confronts us with our prideful arrogance and our struggle with the absence of God in our daily lives. The Spirit produces in us heartfelt cries for God's mercy. The Spirit assures us that God is still at work within us and in our world. Through the Word the Spirit empowers us to be faithful in worship and fruitful in witness.

The book we use for our worship service is the hymnal. The hymnal is the service book of the people of St. John’s. Our hymnal used in worship is Lutheran Worship. In the hymnal the liturgy is printed to assist us in following and learning it. The other part of the hymnal contains the hymns of the church. Along with the Bible and the Catechism, it’s a book that every Christian should own. Our hymnals allow us to learn and know the hymnal not only as a book for the services of the church, but also as a devotional book for use in the home. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

HYMN OF PRAISE

A hymn of praise, a traditional hymn of the church, serves as an outburst of joy and praise. It  immediately follows the Kyrie as the mood of the service quickly changes to praise the coming of the Christ.- (parts from “Gathered Guests: A Guide to Worship in the Lutheran Church” by Timothy H. Maschke, CPH 2003.)

INDIVIDUAL CUPS

Individual cups are glasses fit into a template in a round tray to commune the entire assembly during Holy Communion. Most trays hold 40 cups. There is some disagreement about individual cups: some say it lacks the unifying symbolism of the one cup and creates additional work for the altar guild.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

INTROIT

INTROIT (sounds like IN tro it, rather than in TROIT, like “Detroit”)-from the Latin word “He enters” was originally a way to begin the service. When the priest entered the church, the people stopped their activities in the nave of the church and assembled around the chancel. Today, it is the portion of the appointed Psalm that the pastor and congregation responsively says during the worship service.-parts from “Gathered Guests: A Guide to Worship in the Lutheran Church” by Timothy H. Maschke, CPH 2003.)

INVOCATION

“The service does not begin with the lighting of candles, the ringing of bells, the start of the prelude. In one sense, the service begins at the Invocation, which confesses that God has put His Holy name on His people in Holy Baptism, and so has promised to remain with them.”-parts from “Gathered Guests: A Guide to Worship in the Lutheran Church” by Timothy H. Maschke, CPH 2003.)

In addition to the altar, the font, and the pulpit, there are other liturgical furnishings that may be found in the worship space.  In most Lutheran churches, there is also a lectern, (from the Latin, lectio, “reading”). Our lectern at St. John’s sits at the right of the altar (your left); it’s on the same line dividing the chancel from the nave as our pulpit, and is located at the side of the chancel opposite our pulpit. Normally smaller than the pulpit, the lectern serves as the place from where the Scriptures are read.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

LECTIONARY

A lectionary is the book containing the Scripture readings for Sundays, major and minor festivals, and the occasions. With the use of printed lessons for hearers to follow and the profusion of Bible versions that are read from, it has become common in some places to read the appointed Scripture readings from a sheet of paper. While the important thing is the Word of God that is being read, the book from which it is read should be both large and splendid in order to reflect the significance that the Word of God has in Lutheran theology. At St. John’s, we have both the lectionary readings printed in the bulletin, while being read from the Lectionary from the lectern. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

LITURGICAL COLORS

The liturgical colors are those colors that are used for paraments, vestments, and accessories such as banners and other decorations. Color is an accessory to the worship of the church, but contributes to the times and seasons of the church year. The use of color in the church has developed for both psychological and educational reasons; certain colors are associated with certain moods and the mood or tenor of a season of the church year is appropriately conveyed by the use of a particular color.

 In the early church, there were no fixed rule for determining the color for a season or festival. Ordinarily, the newest and best paraments and vestments were used for the more important occasions. It wasn’t until the 16^th century that certain colors were assigned to be used during particular seasons and on certain feast days. Complete standardization of colors was not achieved until the 19^th century, and this, as the story goes, was due only to the commercial influence of the ecclesiastical supply houses! The external matter of color, however, falls under the category of adiaphora, or matters that are neither right nor wrong. But since the Lutheran Church is part of the Western rite, it usually follows the customary liturgical practices.

WHITE: the color of purity and eternity, symbolizing perfection, celebration, and joy. White is used for Christmas and its season, Epiphany and its season, and Easter and its season (until the Eve of Pentecost). Also for the feast of the Holy Trinity and for the Christological festivals of the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Presentation and the Transfiguration. It’s used for St. Michael and All Angels and for the festivals of saints who were not martyrs (St. Peter and St. Paul). If Holy Communion is celebrated on Maundy Thursday, the color is white. White may also be used for a mission festival or a day of special or national Thanksgiving.

RED: the color of zeal (fire) and martyrdom (blood). Red is the color of Pentecost, from the Eve of Pentecost until the Eve of the Holy Trinity. It’s also used for the festivals of saints who died as martyrs. Red is the color for the Reformation, as well as Ordination, the Dedication of a Church and the Anniversary of the Congregation.

GREEN: the color of life, refreshment and regeneration. Green is used for the season after Pentecost, beginning with the Eve of the Second Sunday after Pentecost. It may also be used for the Epiphany season, from the Eve of the Second Sunday after the Epiphany until the Eve of the Transfiguration

PURPLE: the color of royalty, but also of sorrow and repentance. Purple is used during the Advent season (until the Eve of the Nativity) and during the Lenten season (until Maundy Thursday service, if Holy Communion is not celebrated). It may also be used on a Day of Supplication and Prayer. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

BLACK: The color of mourning, humility and death. Black is used on Ash Wednesday (as an alternate) and Good Friday.

BLUE: The color of spiritual love, fidelity, anticipation, and hope. Blue is often used on festivals of St. Mary, the Mother of Our Lord. It is also the color for Advent used at St. John’s, because, since the liturgical revisions of the 1960’s, the tenor of the season is one of hope and anticipation of the coming of Christ.

SCARLET: The color of royalty and passion. Scarlet is an alternate color for Holy Week, used until after Maundy Thursday service (if, contrary to Lutheran Custom, Holy Communion is not celebrated).

AT ST. JOHN'S:  We conclude with an explanation of the standard liturgical colors that you see around St. John’s as we describe their significance and use during the church year: The color for the week is determined by the Sunday, except in the case of Christmas (after Christmas it’s no longer Advent but the Christmas season). If a minor festival is transferred to a Sunday and is observed, the color of the minor festival is transferred to a Sunday and is observed, the color of the minor festival may be used on that Sunday, although the “Sunday rule” should be observed.

LITURGICAL EAST

Liturgical East is a reference to the direction within the church building. Traditionally, a church was built on an east-west axis, with the altar at the east end and the narthex at the west end. As one faced the altar, then the left was north and the right was south. Although this tradition is no longer held to in building churches (although St. John’s was!) it is still customary to refer to the later end as liturgical east, the narthex end as liturgical west, the left as liturgical north, and the right as liturgical south. Liturgical north is sometimes called the Gospel side and liturgical south the Epistle side! -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

MAGNIFICAT

Mary's song, the Magnificat, is one of the four songs in Luke's Gospel the Church has sung for centuries (Luke 1:46-55).  It is this song we continue to sing today as a reminder of our relationship with the God Mary bore. He was born for you to redeem you and make you His heir of eternal life.

MAUNDY THURSDAY

 A major festival of the church year, falling on the Thursday before Easter. The term Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment.” The day was called Maundy Thursday because it was the night that Jesus said: “a new command I give you: Love one another” (John 13:34). This festival commemorates the institution of the Lords’ Supper because it was also on this night that Jesus gave His disciples (and the church) the Sacrament of His body and blood.-parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

NAVE

The nave is the large area of worship space where the congregation is gathered.  (The word 'nave" comes from the Latin navis, which means 'ship'., an early symbol for the church.)  In traditionally constructed churches the nave is a rectangle, with the longer dimension extending from front to back. It has two rows of pews (from front to back) with a main, center aisle and two aisles, " (from  "The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod" by Lee A Maxwell, CPH 1996.)

 From the Latin word, parare, which means “adorn, prepare, equip”. Paraments in the wide sense include all liturgical vestments, coverings, and hangings; in the narrow sense paraments are distinguished from vestments.  Nondecorative altar paraments should be white in all seasons; some have found in this a symbol of unchanging doctrine. These paraments include a linen cloth covering the altar without front overhang and resting on 1 or 2 layers of linen that have no front or side overhang. The decorative paraments of the altar, lectern, and pulpit are called antependia (from the Latin for “frontal hanging”) and are properly in the liturgical color of the season the altar antependium is attached to a linen cloth under the white linen altar covering. –(Parts from The Christian Cyclopedia; Internet Version @ Copyright LCMS.)

PATEN

 Used for the Sacramental bread, it is a round plate or vessel in which the sacramental bread is consecrated and distributed during the Sacrament of the Altar. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

PECTORAL CROSS

A pectoral cross is a cross which is attached to a chain and suspended over the neck. Historically, the pectoral cross was worn by the Pastor to indicate his office. (parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

PENTECOST

Pentecost is a major festival of the church year which celebrates Christ’s sending of the Holy Spirit to His apostles so they could carry on His work and establish His church. Pentecost falls on the 50^th day after Easter. The liturgical color today is red. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

PULPIT

The third major piece of liturgical furniture, located to the right of the altar as you face forward, is called the pulpit. The word “pulpit” comes from the Latin puliptum, which means “scaffold” or “stage.” A medieval invention, the pulpit is a podium that was elevated so that the speaker could better project his voice. In larger churches it works out better acoustically to locate the pulpit about a third or half of the way into the nave. Of course, with modern audio systems, it is no longer necessary to do this. Nevertheless, the pulpit is still raised above the nave (and chancel) floor. This elevation allows for all those listening to see the preacher, but more important it signifies the prominence of the proclamation of the Word of God. -parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

PURIFICATOR

There are three sacramental linens used for Holy Communion. The purificator is the napkin that’s used to clean the chalice during the Sacrament of the Altar.  It’s 11-13 inches long, square, and made of linen soft enough to be absorbent for this purpose. It’s usually placed over the chalice sitting in the corporal. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

PYX

 A pyx is a rectangular container with a cover to hold additional hosts. Originally a sufficient number of hosts was transferred to the paten for the consecration, but today many ministers (including yours!) uncovers the pyx and consecrates the hosts in it as well as on the paten. When the pyx is used to keep consecrated hosts against the next communion, then care should be taken not to mix the unconsecrated hosts with the consecrated ones. -(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD or EASTER

The resurrection of our Lord is the chief festival of the church year. On this day the church celebrates the rising of her Lord from the dead. This festival is also called “Easter.” The date of Easter changes from year to year and is arrived at with the following formula: the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. -parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

SACRAMENTAL LINENS

There are three sacramental linens used for Holy Communion.  They are the Corporal, the Purificator and

THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR

The Sacrament of the Altar is also called Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper.  It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ given to Christians to eat and drink.  In the rite of Holy Communion the earthly elements of bread and wine are consecrated by the presiding minister and are given to Christians for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of their faith.   There are various vessels used to distribute and receive the Sacrament of the Altar. - (parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

SACRISTY

Off to the left and right of rear of the chancel you’ll find the sacristy. To the left of the rear of our chancel is the working or altar guild sacristy. This is where the paraments, linens, sacred vessels, candles and other liturgical appointments are kept. To the right of the rear chancel on the pulpit side is the clergy sacristy or vestry. The clergy sacristy is where the vestments (alb, stole, etc) are kept and where the minister prepares himself before worship service. It is called a “vestry” because it is the place where the minister puts on his vestments.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

SANCTUARY

In our chancel, the area immediately surrounding the altar is called the sanctuary. The sanctuary is separated from the rest of the chancel, called the choir, by a low rail which we call the altar rail or communion rail. — (parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996).

SANCTURARY OR ETERNAL LIGHT

The candle that burns continuously in the chancel (above the front of the altar as you look forward). Originally, its purpose was to indicate the presence of the reserved Sacrament. Today, it is thought to symbolize the presence of God. - (parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

HOLY SCRIPTURE

The Holy Word of our Triune God, inspired by God to be written down by certain chosen men of old, and found in the book known as The Holy Bible.

Another piece of liturgical furniture in our church is the sedilia (from the Latin sedile, “seat”), which are the chairs or benches for the pastor and any assistants that he may have. At St. John’s, these seats are located on the liturgical north and south walls of the choir section of the chancel.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

STOLE

A stole is a vestment worn by an ordained clergyman to signify his office. The stole is a long band of material that hangs over the neck and down the front. It is the same color as the paraments, and it represents a “yoke” for the servant of Christ as he yokes the burdens, cares and concerns of his flock upon his shoulders.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

In some churches (like ours at St. John’s) where the nave and chancel adjoin, there are extensions to the liturgical north (left) and south (right). These extensions are called transepts. If we were to view our church from above, the floor space of the church would be cruciform or cross-shaped. Occasionally, however, a church building may have only one transept. Frequently the transepts contain pews or chairs for additional seating (ours has instruments on one side). Sometimes the baptismal font is located in one of the transepts, in which case that transept would be called a baptistery.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

TRIUNE GOD

Our Triune God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - not three gods but one God with three persons.

VESTMENTS / VESTRY

To the right of the rear chancel on the pulpit side is the clergy sacristy or vestry. The clergy sacristy is where the vestments (alb, stole, etc) are kept and where the minister prepares himself before worship service. It is called a “vestry” because it is the place where the minister puts on his vestments.-(parts from “The Altar Guild Manual: Authorized by the Commission on Worship off the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” by Lee A. Maxwell, CPH, 1996.)

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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.  NIV ®.   Copyright ©  1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society ®.  Used by permission.   All rights reserved world-wide.