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We
understand that many words used in and around churches
can be a bit confusing to most people. We hope
that you will find the following glossary
useful. If there are words we don't yet have on
the list, or you're still left confused, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
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| Communion
- (or Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist) One of two sacraments observed in the Church of
Scotland. Bread and wine ("the
elements") are shared at communion in remembrance
of Christ's body that was broken for us and the new
covenant with God through His blood which was shed on
the cross. |
| Congregational
Board - "The Board" are effectively the
'trustees' of the church. The Board take care of
the property, fiscal and legal obligations of the
church. Any members can sit on the Board, as
elected at the church AGM. |
| Deliverance
- When a council of the church brings a report to
a court of the church (e.g. General Assembly), they
ask the church to agree to a set of policy statements
called "deliverances". These are then
either approved, amended, rejected or counter-motioned
by the court. |
| Ecumenism
- A concern for Christian unity across
diversity. Ecumenical work involves churches of
many or all denominations. |
| Elements
- (or symbols) The bread and wine used
during the sacrament of Holy Communion |
| Evangelist
- A person who reaches out to announce the gospel
and prepare the way for more extensive missionary work (see Acts 21:8;
Ephesians 4:11; and 2 Timothy 4:5) |
| Family
Service - A 'family service' is all-age worship
which is conducted in a way that is appropriate for
children and families. |
| General
Assembly - The highest court of the church.
The "GA" is made up of members of Kirk
Sessions and Presbyteries and meets for one week each
May in Edinburgh. It is chaired by a
"moderator" who is elected annually.
The GA has supreme rule over all religious, financial
and legal affairs of the Kirk. All councils and
committees of the church report to the General
Assembly. |
| Intercession
- Prayer for the needs of others. We pray that
God may 'intercede' and change things. |
| Kirk
- A term used to mean the Church of Scotland. |
| Kirk
Session - The 'Session' is the first court of the
church and governs the religious affairs of the local
congregation, makes decisions around church matters
and exercises church discipline. It is made up
of ordained "elders" and is chaired by a
"moderator", usually the parish
minister. |
| Ministries
& Mission - This is the payment made by a
local church to the central fund of the church and is
used to pay the minister's stipend and is spent on
local and national mission work by the Kirk. |
| Overture
- A case can be brought from one court of the church
to another in an "overture". For
example, a dispute in a Kirk Session could be
overtured to Presbytery for a decision. |
| Presbytery
- Presbytery is the regional court of the
church. It is supreme over Kirk Sessions, but
subordinate to the General Assembly. Presbytery
consists of all the ministers of its Kirk Sessions,
plus some readers, elders and deacons.
Presbytery has religious, financial and legal
authority over all of its congregations. It is
chaired by a "moderator", elected
annually. |
| Scripture
- The Bible |
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