Editorial
This comments on the incoming Moderator of The General Assembly, Professor T F Torrance; on the authorization of Exorcists; on the Induction of Ministers; on amplification in worship and on appropriate offertory processing.
Volume 06, Number 01 May 1976
“Our Eyes Fixed on Jesus”
John Logan preached on Heb. 12.1-2 (NEB) at the Society's Conference. He emphasised the incarnation of Jesus Christ in faith and life, focused in the 'real presence' in Word and Sacrament. Our race through life is encouraged by saints and martyrs and by the whole body of Christ. Holy Communion prefigures a consumated race to glory, with Christ at the centre.
The Paschal Mystery of Christ and the Eucharist
Professor Torrance presents twelve general theses. The meaning of the Eucharist is grounded in the Paschal Mystery. The priesthood of Christ determines the real presence and the eucharistic sacrifice. He mediates our offering of worship. Eucharist embraces both Passion and Resurrection. We make anamnesis of the whole Christ. God gives himself through his Spirit. Such grace must not be limited by ideas of transubstantiation. What is important is who is present rather than how. We must also beware of symbolist tendencies and a psychological sacerdotalism. Today's ecumenical emphasis on the inherent oneness of Christ rejects such dualism and gives us the possibility of re-establishing a primitive Christianity.
Luther’s “Taufbüchlein” - Part II
Bryan Spinks first outlines Luther's high view of Baptism as the outward sign of Justification, as something God does. He then considers both of Luther's revisions of the Baptismal Liturgy in order to make the glory of God's action manifest. Luther lists non-essential ceremonies, then the 'integral' parts of the Liturgy – vows, immersion and the triune name. He lists those things which can take away from the 'glory of Baptism'. Spinks adds a note on Luther's view of Confirmation and concludes that Luther's chief concern was that Baptism should be the sacrament of salvation.
Marriage and the Oriental Churches
Oriental practice has held together the temporal and the eternal. This is so in the Marriage Liturgy which sets out a way of salvation. Tellini spells this out in three ways: Marriage as a matter of Grace, Calling and Election; Marriage as Fulfilment; and Marriage as the microcosm of the union between Christ and his Church. He commends the Coptic ceremonies as a way of portraying these things.
The Protestant Liturgy and the Working Classes
Kibble's concern is the absence of the working classes from the Church. In addition to other reasons he puts forward a theological-liturgical one. Many Western liturgical acts were popularised and so devalued. Reformers emphasised lay participation but did away with much art, including much music, elevating the Word. This playing down of the sensory has alienated the working classes. We need to re-emphasise group mentality, sensory worship and the presentation of the Gospel in other than verbal ways.
New Church Building
Contemporary Church design is considered, with special reference to three buildings which are illustrated: East Kilbride – South Church; Cumbernauld – St. Mungo's; and Kilmarnock – St. Kentigern's.
Who Goes to Church in Scotland?
The lack of any real survey of churchgoing in Scotland encouraged a 'mini survey' in part of Edinburgh. This showed double the national average of churchgoing for Britain as a whole. The influence of sex, marital status, age and physical mobility on church-going is analysed.
A Meditation
This short meditation was given at a session of the 1973 International Conference of New Testament Scholars. It is translated by Mrs. K.M. Moir of Edinburgh. It is a plea for humility before the Word of God.
Liturgical Colours
In this short article, reasons are given for using seasonal colours in worship, with special reference to Advent, Christmas with Epiphany, Lent with Passiontide including Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost and 'After Pentecost'. Saints Days are also mentioned.
The Royal School of Church Music
The Director of the RSCM outlines the work of the School both at its small residential College and in parishes, working wherever possible ecumenically, meeting the needs of the Church Musician, preserving the best of the past and offering a vision for the future.
Some Reflections on Former U P Ways
This is a brief appreciation of some U P 'High Church' ways, of its 'double' Eucharistic Prayer and of the Ordination of Elders.
Book Reviews
An Aifrionn, a translation of the 1970 Scottish Episcopal Liturgy into Gaelic
The Church Hymnary, Third Edition
History of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland: 1893-1970, ed A MacPherson
Liturgy 1975 – Minister's Book and Pew Book, of The Church of The Province of South Africa.
The Church Service Society Notes
No summary currently available
Editorial
This comments on the incoming Moderator of The General Assembly, Professor T F Torrance; on the authorization of Exorcists; on the Induction of Ministers; on amplification in worship and on appropriate offertory processing.
“Our Eyes Fixed on Jesus”
John Logan preached on Heb. 12.1-2 (NEB) at the Society's Conference. He emphasised the incarnation of Jesus Christ in faith and life, focused in the 'real presence' in Word and Sacrament. Our race through life is encouraged by saints and martyrs and by the whole body of Christ. Holy Communion prefigures a consumated race to glory, with Christ at the centre.
The Paschal Mystery of Christ and the Eucharist
Professor Torrance presents twelve general theses. The meaning of the Eucharist is grounded in the Paschal Mystery. The priesthood of Christ determines the real presence and the eucharistic sacrifice. He mediates our offering of worship. Eucharist embraces both Passion and Resurrection. We make anamnesis of the whole Christ. God gives himself through his Spirit. Such grace must not be limited by ideas of transubstantiation. What is important is who is present rather than how. We must also beware of symbolist tendencies and a psychological sacerdotalism. Today's ecumenical emphasis on the inherent oneness of Christ rejects such dualism and gives us the possibility of re-establishing a primitive Christianity.
Luther’s “Taufbüchlein” - Part II
Bryan Spinks first outlines Luther's high view of Baptism as the outward sign of Justification, as something God does. He then considers both of Luther's revisions of the Baptismal Liturgy in order to make the glory of God's action manifest. Luther lists non-essential ceremonies, then the 'integral' parts of the Liturgy – vows, immersion and the triune name. He lists those things which can take away from the 'glory of Baptism'. Spinks adds a note on Luther's view of Confirmation and concludes that Luther's chief concern was that Baptism should be the sacrament of salvation.
Marriage and the Oriental Churches
Oriental practice has held together the temporal and the eternal. This is so in the Marriage Liturgy which sets out a way of salvation. Tellini spells this out in three ways: Marriage as a matter of Grace, Calling and Election; Marriage as Fulfilment; and Marriage as the microcosm of the union between Christ and his Church. He commends the Coptic ceremonies as a way of portraying these things.
The Protestant Liturgy and the Working Classes
Kibble's concern is the absence of the working classes from the Church. In addition to other reasons he puts forward a theological-liturgical one. Many Western liturgical acts were popularised and so devalued. Reformers emphasised lay participation but did away with much art, including much music, elevating the Word. This playing down of the sensory has alienated the working classes. We need to re-emphasise group mentality, sensory worship and the presentation of the Gospel in other than verbal ways.