The Parish Church of St John the Apostle and Evangelist, Watford
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The Parish Church of St John the Apostle and Evangelist, Watford |
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The altar is the most special place in the church. It reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our sins and it is the place where heaven and earth meet when the priest asks God to bless and make sacred the bread and wine of the Eucharist. We come to the altar and gather around it like a table, just as Jesus commanded us to do at the Last Supper before His death. Making our Holy Communion at the Altar is joining Christians throughout time and place in Jesus saving meal. Altars will have a pure white cloth on top and often have coloured cloth hanging in front, indicating the Christian session.
Ringing bells, large or small tell us that services are about to begin, remind us of special prayers and tell us of that special moment of consecration of the bread and wine on the altar are taking place.
Candles have many meanings for people. The most important is that Jesus is the Light of the World. Some candles glow in coloured lamps, these represent special places in the church or special people. Red candle light stands for the blood of Jesus and all those who have died for Him. Blue candle light is for Jesus mother Mary. White candle light stands for Jesus. We also light candles to accompany our prayers.
Jesus died on the cross for our salvation and then rose from the dead to everlasting life. The cross is a sign of Victory over death and sin. It is the most powerful symbol to Christians and is why it is always at the centre of our churches.
Jesus died on the cross for our salvation and then rose from the dead to everlasting life. The crucifix portrays Jesus on the cross, and is a sign of Victory over death and sin. It is the most powerful symbol to Christians and is why it is always at the centre of our churches.
Just as Jesus taught and preached amongst the people – so the priest comes down and stands amongst the people to read Jesus words to us called the Gospel, which means ‘Good News’.
Incense symbolizes our prayers rising up to God. It is also used as a symbol to purify and bless us as the smoke drifts gently through the church. It is a very ancient symbol having its history traced back many thousands of years.
The Lady Chapel is dedicated to Jesus mother the Blessed Virgin Mary. We use this chapel for small services during the week. It also houses the Tabernacle.
The lectern is in the shape of an eagle with outstretched wings, and on its back rests the Holy Bible. Members of the church family come up to the lectern during the service and read Gods Holy Word to the congregation.
The pulpit is where the priest teaches the congregation in church about the love of God for all of us. This is called a sermon. The pulpit is on the opposite side of the church building to the lectern.
This is a sign of blessing from God and expresses our faith in the Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Often made of marble, metal or wood, this special house has a locked door and is where the blessed Holy Communion breads, called Hosts, are kept for people who are sick or need their Holy Communion bought to their homes. The white light burning above the Tabernacle reminds us that Jesus is present with us in church, veiled in the communion bread.
