Last year questions were invited about what we do in church in our services so that some of the 'mysteries' might seem a little more sensible:-
The roots of clergy 'wear' in church go back to around the 4th Century when Roman aristocratic men wore clothes very similar to the vestments worn during Communion Services today.
In Roman times they gave status to the wearer by the badge worn on a scarf round the neck. As dress styles changed in wider society ecclesiastical clothing remained approximately the same and the stole remains a badge of priestly (or diaconal) office.
Cassocks and surplices are direct descendants of the clothing worn by monks in the Middle Ages. The cassock was everyday wear and the surplice an over-garment to keep you warm in a draughty and cold chapel.
There are those who wonder why it is necessary to apparently hide behind fancy dress and from time to time it is suggested it is a waste of time and money.
The purpose of clerical liturgical clothing is it that reminds both clergy and people that the personality of the individual minister is less important than the role of leadership they are exercising at that moment in time. So it is primarily a priest, deacon or reader before you and secondarily an individual personality with all their strengths and weaknesses
Paul Wilkinson
In Medieval times the nave of church buildings was a community gathering place, even markets being held in them. There were no chairs or pews and the only seating for services was round the edge (hence the phrase about the weak going to the wall). The sanctuary area was protected by rood screens, but during the Elizabethan period many were removed. They were replaced with rails, which in many cases had spikes on top, the intention being to keep out dogs and other undesirable creatures. A good example of spiked rails is found at Edington Parish Church, Wiltshire.
The Puritans removed them because they thought that they implied that altars were especially sacred but in 1634 Archbishop Laud required them to be restored at the east end of buildings; at them communicants were to receive Communion. Parliament again removed them in 1641, but they were restored at Restoration in 1660.
Kneeling when receiving communion emphasizes the significance of the moment of communion but it can be argued that to stand equally highlights its importance. Given greater emphasis on the concept of the church being the gathered community of the faithful in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, standing round an altar can help to create a sense of the shared meal and common life.
From strange beginnings, altar rails have been commonly accepted as the appropriate place to receive communion, but that they are not an essential part of worship.
Most of us have been brought up to think that praying requires us to put our hands together, fingers facing up, but it is an ancient tradition to pray holding arms wide open and with palms facing upwards.
'Hands together' praying gives the impression of the person pleading to God; asking a powerful God to be merciful. It is 'non-aggressive' in that it shows you are relating to a superior being by not being able to take out your sword!
'Open arms' praying is about being open - to the Spirit of God. Although many Christians have made it a regular part of their prayer and worship in recent times, it is far more ancient in that the priest celebrating the Eucharist held his or her arms open when praying on behalf on the congregation, praying 'hands together' when joining everybody in prayer.
Neither position is wrong; it is simply that each expresses something different and each is appropriate at different times. You will see the different positions during all Communion Services. The only time I break with the tradition is during the Lord's Prayer. Despite the fact that everybody is joining in the prayer, I open my hands in a personal prayer that God will fill me with all I need to live as God wishes, to be as God wants me to be.
The font is a visible reminder to us of our Baptism, the moment we are brought into a right relationship with God and accepted into the community of the faithful. As baptism reminds us of the beginning of our spiritual journey with Christ it should be near to or, preferably, visible from the door as it is opened. It should also contain the water of Baptism to underline the symbol of cleansing and, if possible, flowing water to remind us of the living waters we find in Jesus Christ. This latter may not be possible at St Peter's but it doesn't stop us having the water visible. Lids on fonts only became common during the Middle Ages when there was a fear that the water might be used for improper purposes by witches. They were locked and it is even possible to see the marks of the places where the fittings were attached on some ancient fonts. In too many churches fonts have been reduced to 'Flower Features' and whilst it is acceptable to decorate the foot or sides of the font, the water should be visible and accessible, as Christ is to all people. If you have any questions about what we do in church - and why - please ask me.
The question of the use of Incense has been raised. Do we have to use it? What is its purpose?
We do not have to use it, but I believe that we are able to use our whole
being in the worship of God. Obviously we use our hearing and sight. We even use
touch (the Peace) and taste (the bread and wine at Communion). So, why not our
sense of smell?
The use of Incense has a long history, going back to Old Testament times when it
was in regular use in the Temple in Jerusalem. It symbolised the worship and
prayers of God's people going up to God. The Revelation of St John the Divine,
Chapter 8, verses 3-5 implies it was used in the very early church for the same
purpose.
In some Christian traditions it is a major part of regular worship and I
believe it helps to emphasise a sense of importance (along with the use of
candles and other ritual) at the great Festivals of the church. It helps to
create a sense of mystery and wonder and still, symbolically, expresses our
offering of worship.
Whilst its regular use has not been part of the tradition of St Peter's,
occasional use is appreciated by a significant number of people. I will give
prior notice in the weekly Newsletter in future.
Please feel free to ask: Why? And then by a short article in the magazine you may help others.
Paul Wilkinson