Terms Flashcards
(175 cards)
1
Q
Ablutions
A
Ritual act of cleansing the chalice after communion. (Typ. R. Catholic)
2
Q
Absolution
A
Statement of assurance of divine forgiveness imparted by an onrdained minister to those who repent. Follows private private or corporate repentance. High theology of ordination - view as authoritative word of God. Lower theology of ordination - strong word of pardon.
3
Q
Acclamations
A
A congregational response, usually before/after the Gospel. (Usually contains Alleluias except during Lent.
4
Q
Acolyte
A
Attendant that helps during worship (candles, communion) . Often children or youth. Wear albs
5
Q
Advent
A
Liturgical season that begins the church year. starts 4 Sundays before Christmas. Themes: Preparing for the coming of Christ, Christ’s presence, resurrection, and return. Color: Blue or Purple
6
Q
Affirmation of Baptism
A
Public ritual celebrating and remembering the baptism of God’s people. Used: Confirmation and reception of Baptized new members
7
Q
Agnus Dei
A
“Lamb of God” Term refers to portion of ordinaries in the R. Catholic Mass and in some protestant communion liturgies (Ang. Eps. Luth.)
8
Q
Alb
A
A loose fitting, white, floor length liturgical robe. Worn by pastors, preachers and other baptized worship leaders. Cincture - rope belt. Ordained wear stole over alb
9
Q
Alleluia
A
From Hebrew. Exclamation of praise to God. Universal word of praise. Usually omitted from worship during Lent.
10
Q
Altar
A
Platform upon which ritual sacrifices are made. OT faith is associated with building and use of altars. Christians usually associate with communion table. Protestant theology - table is more appropriate.
11
Q
Ambo
A
Podium for scripture reading and preaching - pulpit or lectern
12
Q
Amen
A
Hebrew - “Let it be so.” Form of assent at end of prayers, sermons and declarations of faith.
13
Q
Anamnesis
A
Greek derivative - referring to an active form of memory that connects worshipers with past biblical actions, particularly Christ’s actions in the Eucharistic Prayer
14
Q
Anaphora
A
Greek - “Lift up.” Scholarly term for Eucharistic Prayer
15
Q
Anthem
A
Musical piece, usually choral performed during worship
16
Q
Antiphon
A
Usually relating to reading of Psalm - the portion of the text sung as a refrain by the congregation.
17
Q
The Ascension of Our Lord
A
40th day of the Easter Season - commemorates Christ’s ascension to heaven.
18
Q
Ashes
A
Used on Ash Wed. as a symbol of purification and atonement placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross.
19
Q
Assembly
A
Those who gather to worship - the Body of Christ.
20
Q
Assisting Ministers
A
Those who assist in worship. Includes: acolytes, greeters, ushers, readers , servers etc…
21
Q
Bannerbearer
A
Role of an acolyte carrying a banner into worship
22
Q
Banners
A
Decorated fabrics attached to processional poles representing worship themes or church seasons.
23
Q
Baptismal Candle
A
Candle given to newly baptized. Some people use to remember anniversary of baptism.
24
Q
Baptismal Font or Pool
A
Furniture that holds water for baptisms.
25
Baptismal Oil
Fragrant oil or olive oil placed on the forehead of newly as a sign of God's blessing. Anointing. See chrism.
26
Baptistery
Place where baptisms are preformed - typically associated w/full emersion.
27
Benedicamus
Moment of Proclamation "Let us Bless the Lord" and response "Thanks be to God."
28
Benediction
Blessing given to the congregation as they are sent out. Not a prayer at the end of worship.
29
Berakah
Hebrew term for blessing. "Blessed are you, O Lord, our God,..."
30
Bidding Prayer
Leader calls for the congregation to pray. Each request followed by silence. Responses can be silent or spoken.
31
Blessing
Authoritative statement of God's favor given by pastor or elder.
32
Blessings
God's benevolence shown on particular people, place, and things.
33
Bookbearer
One who holds the Bible during scripture reading or carried in a liturgical procession.
34
Bowing
Gesture representing humility, reverence, or respect.
35
Breaking of Bread
Fraction - physical act of braking the bread for communion.
36
Cantata
Musical form usually based on scripture. Usually comprised of choruses, solos, duets and instrumental elements.
37
Canticle
Scriptural text set to music for congregational singing. (Other than Psalms.)
38
Cantor
Classic term for worship song leader. Historically had other significant roles.
39
Cassock
Long, loose fitting garment worn by clergy and choir members. Black or Red covered w a white top called a surplice. Largely replace by alb.
40
Catechesis
Period of Christian education in advance of baptism or confirmation.
41
Catechumen
Person in the educational process prior to baptism or confirmation
42
Cathedral
Church building attached or associated w/ministry of a Bishop in the R. Catholic Church. Typ. largest church, centrally located in diocese.
43
Catholic
In its original sense - of interest or use to all. When capitalized - can refer to R. Catholic Church
44
Censer
Vesel used for burning incense during worship.
45
Chalice
Latin - "cup". Vessel used to distribute wine to congregation. Common cup for intinction or drinking.
46
Chalice Veil
Square fabric used to cover the chalice during communion.
47
Chancel
Area within worship space that contains the table and pulpit. Usually elevated. Comes from Latin term for railing or screen separating the nave from the front of the worship space.
48
Chant
Recitation of liturgical or biblical text according to a melodic formula in free rhythm. From Latin for "to sing"
49
Chasuble
Garment resembling a poncho worn on top of alb and stole by presider (over Communion). From Latin - "little house". Orig: extra layer of cold weather protection.
50
Choir
Ensemble of singers that perform anthems and lead congregations in worship. Primary role - assist congregation in participating in worship. 2nd purpose: rehearse and sing for the congregation.
51
Chorale
Stately, traditional musical setting of a hymn. Associated w/Lutheran tradition. Think Bach
52
Chrism
Greek for Christ, the "Anointed One." Oil used in baptismal anointing.
53
Chrismation
Act of anointing the newly baptized with oil. Represents sealing of the person with the power of the Holy Spirit. Part of 3-part baptismal practice (water, anointing w/oil, and communion.
54
Christ the King Sunday
Last day of the Church year. Theme: kingly rule of Christ in heaven and reign of God God on earth. Color: White
55
Christmas
Day commemorating Jesus' birth. Western Dec. 25. Begins 12 day season of Christmas. Aka: Feast of the Nativity, Feast of the Incarnation. Orthodox: Jan 7 on Georgian calendar.
56
Christmas Cycle
Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
57
Christmas Season
12-day period celebrating Incarnation of Christ - Dec 25 to Jan 5.
58
Church
Liturgical year - 1st Part: Jesus coming, life, death, resurrection, ascension and second coming. 2nd Part: Ordinary Time, Follows Pentecost and commemorate the life of the church on earth.
59
Ciborium
Latin "food". Cup that holds bread for communion.
60
Cincture
Cord with knot at each end worn as a belt on an alb. From Latin "gird"
61
Collect
Prescribed form of prayer that collects themes of worship. Includes: Address, Theological statement, Petition, Purpose, and Conclusion
62
Liturgical Colors
White: Christmas, Epiphany, Baptism of Lord, Transfiguration, Easter Vigil, Easter Day and season, Trinity Sunday, Christ the King - Green: Sundays after Epiphany and Pentecost - Advent: blue or purple - Ash Wed.: black or purple - Lent: purple - Holy Week: scarlet or purple - Maundy Thursday - Scarlet or White - Good Friday: none, scarlet, or black - Pentecost - Red
63
Holy Communion
Celebration of the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper. Sacrament in Catholic and Protestant church. Bread and wine is consecrated through prayer and served to the assembly in remembrance of Jesus' last meal w/Disciples
64
Compline
Form of evening prayer.
65
Confession
Act of admitting sin, indicating remorse, and expressing a desire for forgiveness. Corporate and Private. Liturgically always followed by absolution or pardon
66
Confirmation
Ceremony in which a baptized person affirms their baptismal vows - follows a time of teaching (catechesis). Early church: local bishop anointed newly baptized as a sign of protection by the Holy Spirit.
67
Consecration
Blessing of the Bread and Wine (juice) during Communion
68
Corporal
Cloth place under a communion chalice. From latin "body"
69
Corporate Confession and Forgiveness
Congregational statement confessing sins followed by a leader's pronouncement of God's forgiveness (absolution or pardon)
70
Creche
Nativity scene - typically w/ statues of Jsus in a manger, his parents, wise men, shepherds, angels and animals. From French "crib".
71
Credence Table
Table situated to the side of the chancel used for holding communion vessels and offering plates. From Latin "sideboard"
72
Credo
Latin "creed" - Typically the Nicene Creed in Latin - one of the 5 ordinary elements of the mass.
73
Creed
A statement of one's beliefs, spoken together as an assembly during worship. (Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian)
74
Pectoral Cross
Cross hangs across the chest on a chain. Worn during worship and typ. associated w/ Bishop
75
Processional Cross
Large cross or crucifix attached to a processional staff. Usually place near the communion table after a liturgical procession. The Cross leads the procession and recession.
76
Sign of the Cross
Liturgical gesture made by tracing the shape of the cross from one's forehead to chest and from one shoulder to another with the hand. Associated w/ the Trinitarian formula.
77
Crucifer
Acolyte that carries the processional cross.
78
Crucifix
Cross w/ figure of Jesus upon it. Typ. R. Catholic. Strong theology emphasizing the sacrifice of jesus upon the cross. Protestant churches have empty crosses emphasizing that Christ has been raised from death.
79
Dismissal
Final act of worship. Aka: Sending. Pastor sends the people out into mission in the work and life.
80
Doxology
Greek "to honor". Form of praised directed to the Trinity. Usually begins w/Glory and praises Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
81
Easter Day
Greatest celebration of the Church year - Christ's resurrection. Follows Lent culminated with Holy Week.
82
Easter Season
Begins the evening before Easter Day with Easter Vigil. Lasts 50 days and ends on Pentecost. "Great 50 Days" Historically emphasized teaching about the faith to new converts baptized at the Easter Vigil.
83
Epiclesis
Greek "to call down." Prayer invoking the Holy Spirit.
84
The Epiphany of our Lord
Greek "manifestation" or "appearance." Jan 6 (Western) Matt 2:1-12 is the appointed Gospel text.
85
Epiphany Season
Begins on Jan 6 and lasts through Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday before Ash Wed.
86
Eucharist
Holy Communion, The Lord's Supper. Derivative of Greek "Thanksgiving"
87
Eucharistic Prayer
Prayer during Communion Liturgy, part of the consecration of the bread and wine. Incorporates a prayer of thanksgiving.
88
Eucharistic Vestments
Garments worn by ministers, priests and assistants during communion.
89
Eulogy
Spoken by deceased person's friends or family - in praise o f the deceased. Funeral holily or sermon is different and spoken by the minister - based on scripture and proclaims God's promises.
90
Evening Prayer
Sometimes called vespers at sunset.
91
Fasting
To refrain for spiritual and devotional reasons from eating. Common during the season of Lent for Christians. Can refer to abstaining from certain foods for a period.
92
Flagon
Latin "bottle" or "flask." Large pitcher that holds the sacramental wine.
93
Flood Prayer
Prayer of thanksgiving for water used in some baptismal rites. (Orig. Martin Luther)
94
Font
Baptismal font or pool - in baptistery
95
Fraction
Breaking of the bread
96
Funeral Pall
White fabric that covers the coffin during a funeral. Reminiscent of white robe of baptism.
97
Gathering
1. the assembly of the faithful for worship 2. portion of worship that liturgically draws the people together. 1st part of 4 fold movement of worship.
98
Gloria in Excelsis
Latin "Glory to God in the Highest" 1st line of one of the songs of the ordinary of the mass. Aka Greater Doxology
99
Goria Patri
Latin "Glory to the Father" Aka Lesser Doxology
100
Godparents
Persons that vow to share responsibility for spiritual development of a child in baptism (baptismal sponsors.)
101
Good Friday.
Commemorates Christ's crucifixion. 6th day of Holy Week, 2nd day of the Triduum
102
Gospel Procession
Procession of the Bible, its bearer and its reader from the lectern to the center of the assembly. Used for the Gospel reading in formal liturgies
103
Great Fifty Days
Easter Season
104
Great "O" Antiphons
Advent antiphons. Stanzas of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
12/17 - O Wisdom, 12/18 - O Adonai, 12/19 - O Root of Jesse, 12/20 - O Key of David, 12/21 - O Dayspring, 12/22 - O King of the nations, 12/23 - O Emmanuel
105
Great Thanksgiving
The portion of the communion liturgy that includes the Preface Dialog, Proper Preface, Sanctus, and Eucharistic Prayer
106
High Liturgy
Refers to churches and traditions that incorporate highly traditional and ritualized forms in regular services. Ex.:R. Catholic, Ang. Epis., Luth. Esp. on festival days.
107
Holy, Holy, Holy
see sanctus
108
Holy Saturday
7th Day of Holy Week, 3rd day of Triduum, Easter vigil begins in the evening.
109
Holy Week
Week before Easter. Begins w/ Palm (Passion) Sunday and concludes on Easter Eve.
110
Homily
Term for sermon. Typ. indicates a brief form.
111
Host
Bread used in Communion
112
Hymn
Sacred poetic song set to music in a measured rhythm.
113
Hymn or Song of the Day
Hymn that corresponds to scripture and sermon. Sung after the sermon. Aka Sermon hymn (or we call it the Hymn of Response).
114
Hymnal
Collection of hymns bound in an organized book. Some contain other worship material (liturgies, prayers, lectionaries, indexes.
115
Baptism by Immersion
Entire body of the convert is immersed in water. Common in free church practice (Baptist and Pentecostal)
116
Imposition of Ashes
Placement of ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead as part of Ash Wed. ritual. Usually accompanied with, "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return."
117
Incense
Fragrant resins that are burned for ceremonial or liturgical purposes (Psalm 141:2)
118
Institution Narrative
Words of Christ at the Last Supper (Matt 16:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:15-20, 1 Cor 11:23-24.) Aka: Words of Institution. Central part of communion liturgy.
119
Intercessions
Type of prayer in which peteitions are made in behalf of persons, nations, the church and the world.
120
Interment
Act of laying to rest or entombing the remains of the deceased.
121
Intinction
Practice of distributing communion wine by dipping the host into the chalice.
122
Introit
Latin "Entrance" Psalm or liturgical text sung as part of the entrance rite in worship
123
Kiss of Peace
Early 2nd century a ritualized kiss was found in Eucharistic liturgies. Has been replaced with "passing of the peace."
124
Kyrie or Kyrie Eleison
Greek "Lord" or "Lord have mercy," Prayer in the ordinaries of mass. Traditionally sung three times.
125
Lectern
Stand or podium from which scriptural lessons are read. From Latin "reader"
126
Lectionary
Set of Scriptures used by many congregations and based on the church year. From Latin "reading"
127
Lector
A person appointed to read biblical lessons during worship.
128
Liturgy of the Word
Portion of worship that attends to the reading and proclamation of the Word of God. Includes: Prayer of Illumination, Gospel acclamation, preceding readings, and preaching as well as song following the sermon. (For UMC - We typically start this as the response.)
129
Lord's Day
First day of the week (Sunday) when most churches hold worship services. Reference is to Christ being raised from death on Sunday. Some churches worship on Sabbath (Saturday).
130
Magnificat
Latin title for Canticle, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord," from Luke 1:46-55
131
Mass
Traditional name of R. Catholic service of Holy Communion.
132
Martins
Form of morning prayer. Sometimes called Lauds.
133
Maundy Thursday
Thursday of Holy Week. Maundy derived from Latin for mandate - referring to the new commandment "to love one another (John 13:34)
134
Memorial Service
Service of worship commemorating a person that has died. Typ. the deceased's remains are not present. May not occur close to time of death.
135
Missal
R. Catholic book containing liturgies for mass. Includes the proper prayers and texts for given Sundays and celebrations.
136
Narthex
An ante-chamber, porch or foyer that leads worshipers into the Nave (Sanctuary) of a church building. Traditionally on west side.
137
Neophytes
Those newly converted and initiated (baptized) into the Christian faith.
138
Nunc Dimittis
Latin for what is known as Simeon's Song, "Lord, now let your servant go in peace," (Luke 2:29-32
139
Occasional Services
Occasional commemorations or celbrations such as baptisms funerals, weddings, Thanksgiving
140
Offering
Tithes and contributions made by a worshiping assembly and to the bread and wine brought forth from the community for holy Communion.
141
Offertory
Musical response that accompanies Offering gifts being brought forward.
142
Orans
A posture for prayer where arms are presented outward and slightly to the side, with palms upward. Often used when a leader presents a prayer in behalf of the people.
143
Ordinance
Another term for sacrament. Used primarily in communities that with a little less emphasis on Christ's presence in communion and baptism. Term emphasizes Jesus ordered his disciples to do these things.
144
Ordinary, Ordinaries
Elements of worship enacted regularly, week by week. Lord's Prayer. In R. Catholic Mass - 5 ordinaries: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Angus Dei.
145
Ordinary Time
Two periods of the liturgical calendar. Time after Epiphany and after Pentecost.
146
Ordination
1. Service of Ordination wherein clergy are set apart for service within a denomination or tradition. 2. the act of decreeing or ordaining clergy.
147
Paraments
Cloth coverings for communion tables, pulpits, and lecterns. Colors match the season.
148
Pardon
Statement that reassures people of forgiveness. Usually spoke by the worship leader. (In UMC often proclaimed by worship leader and then back to worship leader.)
149
Paschal Candle
Represents Christ who is the light of the world Paschal comes from the Hebrew word for Passover - associated with the Easter vigil.
150
Palm/Passion Sunday
The Sunday before Easter. Lectionaries have texts of the full Passion Narrative.
151
Paten
Plate or bowl containing bread used in holy communion.
152
Pentecost
Day recorded in Acts 2 where the Holy Spirit comes upon the Disciples. "Birthday of the Church - fifty days after Easter.
153
Prayer for Illumination
Prayer offered by a leader prior to reading scripture in public worship.
154
Preaching Gown
Aka Geneva Gown. Robe like that worn by scholars and judges (academic robe). worn by preachers and worship leaders. Used by churches in the Reformed tradition (Calvin and Zwingli) traditions.
155
Preface
Eucharistic Prayer begins with a preface, a proclamation of thanksgiving and praise that is appropriate to the occasion.
156
Presiding Minister
Minster that presides over a service of worship. In a service of holy communion the presider is usually an ordained minister.
157
Procession
Ordered progress of liturgical leaders and people into the place of worship. Cross first, presiding minister last.
158
Propers
Elements of a worship service that are for a particular day of celebration.
159
Pulpit
See ambo or lectern
160
Pyx
Container used for transporting communion elements from worship to the homebound.
161
Rubric
Liturgical instructions printed in service books an missals. Traditionally printed in red. From Latin "red".
162
Negrics
Words printed in black that are the text of the worship service and are to be spoken by the worship leader or the gathered people.
163
Sacrament
Ritual that celebrates the mysteries of God's grace-filled interaction with believers. From Latin "mystery." R Catholic, 7 sacraments: baptism, holy communion, penance, marriage, confirmation, anointing of the sick (formerly last rites), and ordination. Protestant Churches, 2 sacraments: baptism and holy communion. Rituals instituted by Jesus that make use of earthly elements.
164
Sanctus
Part of the Eucharistic Prayer derived from Isaiah 6:3, "Holy, holy, holy..." From Latin "holy."
165
Sending
Final portin of a service of corporate worship wherein the gathered people are ritually sent from the assembly into the world. Sending retains the dents that worship continues as people are sent into service in the world.
166
Stanza
Verses in a hymn text.
167
Stations of the Cross
14 scenes or depictions of the journey that Jesus made from Pilate's house to Calvary.
168
Stole
Vestment that designates is wearer as an ordained member of the ministry. Long narrow band of cloth worn over an alb. Worn behind the neck and draping down the front. Usually in colors matching the liturgical season. Deacons may wear a stole that drapes across the right shoulder.
169
Communion Table
Furnishing upon which is placed the elements for holy communion.
170
Thurible
Vessel in which incense is burned during religious ceremonies. Typ. Easter Orthodox and R. Catholic.
171
Triduum
Scholarly term for the three day period beginning with holy communion on Maundy Thursday and ending with the Easter vigil. Thurs, Fri, Sat of Holy Week.
172
Venite
Historic chant derived from Psalm 95:1-7 and Psalm 96:9, 13. From Latin for "O Come"
173
Vespers
A form of evening prayer.
174
Vestment
Robes and garments worn by people leading worship. Intent is to be a sign of hospitality indicating to participants the role of the leaders.
175
Vestry
Room located near the chancel where clergy and other worship leaders store their vestments and dress for worship.
