See “Musicians” on this page

The table or other furniture centrally located in the chancel. When used to describe this table, the correct spelling is as shown here. (When spelled "alter" the word means "change.")

The space between pews where the wedding processional takes place. (NOT "isle.")

This word refers to Holy Scripture. Bible is a title, and the word is always capitalized. (The word "biblical" is only capitalized if it begins a sentence.)

A type of music. (NOT "Cannon.")

Example: A frequently selected canon used for weddings is Canon in D by Pachelbel.

The area around the altar, pulpit and baptismal font. At Christ the King, as in most churches, the chancel is the area that begins at the communion rail.

The people assembled for a service of worship, whether regular or a special or occasional service. Also refers to the entire membership of a particular church.

A reading from any of the books of the New Testament except the Gospels, Acts, or Revelation. Readings from Acts or Revelation are usually called lessons.

A standing container with a basin on the top; the basin is filled with water for baptisms.

“Good news.” Any text from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. The term “Gospel” is also used to denote the specific reading from one or more of these texts as a part of worship. Most sermons are based upon Gospel or Epistle texts.

A stand from which the Lessons (and Epistles) are read. At Christ the King, the pulpit is used for both Lessons and Gospels.

A person who reads from the Bible during a worship service. This person may

 be called a reader if you do not want to use the term "Lector."

Any reading from the Bible except from the four Gospels. This term was specifically used for Old Testament readings, but it has become more general in modern usage.

In a service of worship,  a meditation is a brief sermon during a wedding or other occasional service. Christ the King also has a Prayer Room for meditation and prayer.

Accompanist         Any musician who plays for a soloist, a duet, or other singing  

 Duet

Guitarist             

Harpist

Pianist

Oboist

Organist

Soloist

Violinist

Violist     

A hallway or gathering space outside the actual worship space. At Christ the King, the Narthex is a wide hallway.

Another word for the room used for worship.

These are the cloth altar and pulpit hangings; the color corresponds to the seasons of the church year.

A person ordained to the ministry of the Gospel; the chief worship leader and spiritual advisor. Lutheran pastors must be ordained after a prescribed course of study and internship. Ordained pastors are distinguished during a worship service as the only person(s) to wear a stole (a long strip of cloth of the color of the liturgical season) which wraps behind the neck and hangs on both shoulders.

When listing the pastor's name in the wedding bulletin, you may use any of these forms:

The Reverend John A. Smith

Pastor John A. Smith

John A. Smith, Pastor

Fixed benches for seating of the congregation during worship services

In weddings: 1) Bride and bridesmaids approaching the altar before the wedding

The stand from which the Gospel is read and the sermon preached.

In weddings: 1) The bride and groom and their attendants as they leave the

An outward visible sign of an inward spiritual gift. The Lutheran Church recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. A wedding service is not itself a sacrament, although the sacrament of Holy Communion may be a part of the service.

Another name for the room used for worship; this word specifically applies to the area also known as the chancel.

A spoken message, usually by a pastor, teaching about a biblical text or Christian principle.

Clothing intended for use by pastors during a service of worship.

The room containing the pews, chancel, altar, etc., whose primary use is for worship and prayer.

The annual cycle of festivals and seasons, marked by the colors of the paraments and pastor’s stoles. The liturgical year begins with Advent. The first Sunday of Advent is always the Sunday closest to November 30. The rest of the church year is as follows: Christmas (White), Epiphany (White on the day of Epiphany, Green thereafter), Lent, Easter (White), Pentecost, Trinity (White), Sundays after Pentecost, Christ the King Sunday (White), which is the last Sunday after Pentecost, with the next Sunday being the first Sunday of Advent.