Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Nov 2

The area in the Friedens’ sanctuary where the worship leaders serve is called the chancel. It is considered a holy place separated from the nave by a modesty rail, and it is also elevated to suggest the Presence of the Most High God. Our focus in worship is on the chancel because it contains three important symbols of our faith.

The first and most important symbol is the cross. It is elevated above everything else in the sanctuary. The cross is the preeminent symbol of Christ, with a special emphasis on the way Jesus demonstrated the depth and breadth of Divine grace through self-giving love. The cross in our sanctuary is empty, that is, it does not show the dying form of Christ. Our tradition emphasizes both the death and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

The next prominent symbol in the chancel is the communion table, also called the Lord’s table or the altar table. It is a reminder of the sacrament of Holy Communion where Christ is the host, welcoming everyone who wishes to know Christ and receive Divine grace with an open and humble heart. The table also receives our offerings, given with glad and generous hearts for the saving love of Jesus our Savior. Worship leaders serve from the altar table as earthen vessels who carry a precious treasure ( 2 Corinthians 4:7). The baptismal font at the base of the chancel steps represents the Sacrament of Baptism, the symbol of new life and inclusion by grace into the community of disciples.

The third important symbol in our chancel is the pulpit. This is the place for proclamation of the gospel, the good news of God’s saving love in the faith of Christ. Our sacred texts inform, instruct, inspire, and prepare us to be ambassadors for Christ in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). In the United Church of Christ pastors are to have a call from God for service to Christ’s church, and they are expected to have seminary training, bringing commitment and education to the pastoral and preaching role.

Christ, Sacrament, and Word are central to worship and beautifully symbolized in our chancel.

Yours in Christ,

Marc