The Internal Arrangement of the Church Building (continued)

The Internal Arrangement of the Church Building (continued)

Last month I noted that the main altar in All Saints' Church had been moved a yard away from the end wall of the building; and I described very briefly the history behind the positioning of the altar in church buildings. In the early centuries the minister who presided at Holy Communion normally faced the congregation across the altar table; but sometime in the early Middle Ages altars came to be placed against the east wall and the minister presided with his back to the congregation.

What are the arguments for and against these two positions? In the Christian religion God is worshipped both as transcendent (far above the affairs of this world) and as immanent (present in the every day life of this world). As transcendent he is revered as infinitely greater than human beings, as holy, not to be approached too nearly. As immanent he is worshipped as God made human in Jesus Christ, and as Holy Spirit at work in the world. As transcendent he is worshipped from a distance with awe. As immanent Christ's words are recalled: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them".

It is not easy to hold these two together in our worship in church. The eastward-facing position preserves the sense of awe and holiness. God is out there beyond us. But it also tends to separate clergy (whose place is in the sanctuary) from the congregation (who can become passive observers in the nave). When the minister faces the congregation over the table (especially when the table can be brought forward nearer the nave) there tends to be more rapport between minister and laity, and this creates a much more corporate understanding of the church; but sometimes it can also diminish the sense of holiness and awe in the worship.

However these are only tendencies. Whichever position is adopted, it is quite possible to retain a sense of reverence and stillness in worship while also expressing a genuine corporateness and communion with our fellow worshippers, and a friendly welcome to visitors. Whichever position we adopt, that should be our aim.

Canon Martin Reardon

Funeral

Pat Crowsley

Church Coffee Mornings

The next coffee morning will be at Lace Cottage, Newton Lane at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday 13th. April, hosted by Sarah Beecham. Contributions for the bring-and-buy, including toys will be most welcome. The May coffee morning will be on Wednesday, 15th. May at 7, Elmwood, hosted by Dawn Riddle.

The March coffee morning raised over £200 for Church funds. Many thanks to Anne Claypole White for hosting and arranging the event, and to those who helped and supported the morning.

Global Challenge

Don't forget our major fund raising event on Friday, 12th. April, 7.30 for 8p.m., in Turvey Village Hall. Mark Denton, who skippered the B.P. boat, will give an illustrated account of the race. There will be a licensed bar and a raffle. Tickets, at £8 including a fish and chip supper, are nearly sold out - but contact Anne Claypole White for the few that remain for sale.

Mothers' Union

Thursday 18^th April, 2:45 p.m. in the Manor Room. "Confessions from behind the Counter", Mrs. E. Underwood. All welcome.

Little Lights

The next dates for Little Lights are Monday 8^th April, Monday 13th May, Monday 10th June and Monday 1st July. All in Church at 2.30 p.m.

The Annual Church Meeting will be on Tuesday 30th April at 8pm in the Manor Room. This is your opportunity to hear what has been happening with regard to your church and to vote into office the Church Wardens and the new PCC. All Church members, i.e. those on the new electoral roll, are entitled to attend. The details are on the PCC porch noticeboard.

The new electoral roll will be on view on the Tithe table at the rear of the Church from Sunday 7^th April - please check your details have been entered correctly. New names cannot now be entered until the revision next year.