The votive candle ("prayer candle") stands are now in place for the 5:00 service instead of the 6 tables previously used with hard-to-maintain glass votives of many differing sizes. Original plans were to store the stands away except for the 5:00, but that too was cumbersome, so they remain in place on either side of the crossing. The Altar Guild's work is now greatly eased with one less maintenance issue to perform every week after the 5:00. They will light one of the votives, should anyone during Sunday services (before, after or to/from communion) wish to participate in these prayer candles as those attending 5:00 have done for years.
Why votive (prayer) candles? 1. It is not a "throw-back" to Roman-Christian times of making an offering ("votive") for something or for someone's soul. 2. Just as the Paschal Candle has become an integral part of Christian expression in corporate worship, so too in post-Reformation times has the tradition of lighting a candle to simply remember or give thanks for a loved one become a very individual "outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace." The candle represents that someone (oneself included) who is facing adversity or someone who has died, etc., has been lifted up in private prayer. 3. Many find great comfort in this "prayer candle" tradition, while others find it of no personal value. It is the same with many other individual signs of worship such as crossing oneself; kneeling (penitence) or standing (honor & adoration) to pray; hands folded or arms uplifted in worship posture. There are many more, and the prayer candles' use is provided only for those who choose. The new stands make this offering simple and practical. Thank you to the Altar Guild for providing and caring for them. PH
Why votive (prayer) candles? 1. It is not a "throw-back" to Roman-Christian times of making an offering ("votive") for something or for someone's soul. 2. Just as the Paschal Candle has become an integral part of Christian expression in corporate worship, so too in post-Reformation times has the tradition of lighting a candle to simply remember or give thanks for a loved one become a very individual "outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace." The candle represents that someone (oneself included) who is facing adversity or someone who has died, etc., has been lifted up in private prayer. 3. Many find great comfort in this "prayer candle" tradition, while others find it of no personal value. It is the same with many other individual signs of worship such as crossing oneself; kneeling (penitence) or standing (honor & adoration) to pray; hands folded or arms uplifted in worship posture. There are many more, and the prayer candles' use is provided only for those who choose. The new stands make this offering simple and practical. Thank you to the Altar Guild for providing and caring for them. PH
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