Difference between revisions of "Acolyte"
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| − | In many [[Christian denominations]], an '''acolyte''' refers to anyone who performs ceremonial duties such as lighting [[altar]]-[[candle]]s | + | In many [[Christian denominations]], an '''acolyte''' refers to anyone who performs ceremonial duties such as lighting [[altar]]-[[candle]]s. |
== Methodism == | == Methodism == | ||
Revision as of 22:48, September 19, 2010
In many Christian denominations, an acolyte refers to anyone who performs ceremonial duties such as lighting altar-candles.
Methodism
In the Methodist tradition, acolytes participate in the worship service by lighting the altar candles, extinguishing the altar candles, and ringing the church bell to call the congregation to worship. In the Methodist tradition, the lighting of the altar candles in the worship service is a symbol of Jesus’ coming into the presence of the worshiping community. Before the extinguishing of the last altar candles, the acolytes relight their "candle lighter" and then process out into the narthex. This symbolizes that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere. It also symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are called to serve.[1] Similar to those in the Anglican tradition, acolytes in the Methodist tradition wear robes called albs with a cincture.