Liturgical vs. Non-Liturgical Churches and Worship

Liturgical Worship Definition

Also referred to as EUCHARIST-CENTERED; PRESCRIBED order of worship consistent throughout the world; Order is published in a special manual, hymnal or book or prayer; FORMAL, SET RITUALS, STRUCTURED, most times CLOSED casket for the service; Funeral Service held IN THE CHURCH; Use of the PALL to cover the casket during the service; COMMUNION (open or closed depending on group/synod)

Pall

symbolizes that we are all equal under the eyes of God

Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran

Liturgical

Liturgical Architecture Definition

Church is built in the shape of a CROSS; Cross or Crucifix centered on or above the altar; Center aisle with direct approach to the altar; Communion Rail; PULPIT is located on the left side as you face the altar from which sermons are delivered; Left side referred to as the GOSPEL SIDE; LECTERN is located on the right side as you face the altar from which readings and prayers are often proclaimed; Right side referred to as the EPISTLE SIDE

Cross

Liturgical church is built in the shape of a _________

Pulpit

__________ is located on the left side as you face the altar from which sermons are delivered; left side referred to as the GOSPEL SIDE; Only supposed to be USED BY CLERGY

Gospel Side

Left side of the church when you face the altar

Lectern

___________ is located on the right side as you face the altar from which readings and prayers are often proclaimed; right side referred to as the EPISTLE SIDE; used BY LAY PEOPLE/NORMAL PEOPLE TO READ

Epistle side

Right side of the church when you face the altar

Altar

the table from which Holy Communion is served and prayers are offered

Chancel

the place around the altar of the church, usually enclosing the clergy and other officials; (one of the two main bodies of the church, the other being the Nave)

Narthex

or VESTIBULE, entryway to the church

Nave

the seating section of the main body of the church; (one of the two main bodies of the church, the other being the chancel)

Sanctuary

the part of the church surrounding the altar, inside the chancel

Transepts

wings of the main part of the church; (smaller rooms for baptism, small weddings or funeral service)

Acolyte

an altar attendant

Benediction

a ritual blessing offered at the conclusion of a service; (indication for funeral director to approach casket and prepare to EXIT)

Cross

a religious emblem consisting of two plain bars which intersect at right angles to each other

Crucifix

a cross with a figure or image representing the body of Christ

Eucharistic minister

layperson sanctioned to administer Holy Communion

Genuflect

the act of bending the right knee as an indication of reverence or as an act of humility

Holy Water

water that has been blessed by a priest

IHS

the first three letters in the Greek word for Jesus

Officiant

one who conducts a religious service or ceremony

Pall

a symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket

Pastor

one having spiritual care over a number of people

Priest

a title conferred to a clergy upon ordination in various religions

Procession

the movement, in an orderly fashion, at the beginning of a service

Recession

the movement, in an orderly fashion at the end of a service

Sign of the cross

a symbolic sign of the cross, made with the right hand

Rubrics

states directions regarding church practices and procedures as approved by the church

Vestements

ritual garments for the clergy

Non-Liturgical Worship Definition

Also referred to as SCRIPTURE-CENTERED; Worship left up to the clergy; NO PRESCRIBED ORDER; Eucharist MAY be celebrated on occasion, BUT NOT EVERY SERVICE; May use a hymnal or overhead for music; Examples: Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Assembly of God; Church of God; Church of Nazarene; Church of Christ; Independent/Fundamentalist (start up churches)

Non-Liturgical Architecture Definition

No focal point; Raised platform or stage; AMPHITHEATRE-LIKE ATMOSPHERE; No recognition of Gospel (left) or Epistle (right) side; Pulpit or lectern is centered on platform or stage; ONE PODIUM

Non-Liturgical

Eucharist MAY be celebrated on occasion, BUT NOT EVERY SERVICE