DOCSLIB.ORG

The Meaning of the Meeting House

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Meaning of the Meeting House Congregational News of what God did for us is acted out in broken bread and poured-out cup. The About the Author Way Series Word spoken from the pulpit is acted at the Table. Rev. Dr. Arthur Rouner is a graduate of 3. THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES Harvard College, Union Theological Finally, it is the people themselves who show perhaps most clearly the meaning of Seminary, and received his doctorate at the Meeting Luther Seminary. After serving churches in House. They are Massachusetts he served the Colonial Church gathered for one ...the greatest symbol is purpose: to hear in Edina, Minnesota for 32 years. God’s Word and The Meaning on the floor of the to respond to it. The pews are Meeting House in often placed so He is presently the President of the Rouner that the people Center for Missions and Ministry. of the front of the pulpit, or sit almost literally on three perhaps raised up in sides of the pulpit, the better The NACCC is an association of autonomous Churches the sanctuary. It is a to hear what is Meeting most important bound by our belief that Christ alone is the head of the simple, strongly built in their worship. local Church. With this in mind, we express and discuss But even as they theological issues respecting different positions. There is House table. The come, eager and no one document which directs all our Churches, rather expectant to fill clergy and laity are encouraged to establish their own Communion Table. that house with understandings of scripture and congregational life in by their prayer and Arthur A. Rouner, Jr. their listening, Christ. This piece represents the views of one of our the gathered people suggest something respected leaders and is submitted to the larger fellowship D. Min. fundamental to the nature of their of Churches for consideration and/or edification. Meeting House. It is a Meeting House. It is where God’s people are called together “...the Meeting House to meet God and each other. It is where our name receives its fullest meaning: is a place built for a “congregational”. It is where the life of National Association of living congregation to the whole people - not just individual Congregational Christian Churches believers - is seen to be the meaning, and meet a living Lord…” the hope, and the purpose of our Way. 8473 South Howell There is a place for cathedrals. But for us P.O. Box 288 the Meeting House is a place built for a Oak Creek, WI 53154 living congregation to meet a living Lord, and from there to go out to serve Him. 1-800-262-1620 For us, the Congregational Way is as Fax: 414-764-0319 stirring, and exciting, and as beautiful as E-Mail: [email protected] anything in life for the Christian. www.naccc.org The Meaning of the Meeting House An American traveler stepped into one churches.” They believed that a Christian church From the pew, what does a person look of England’s most beautiful churches, was formed when Christ gathered a few people up to see first? They see the pulpit, the Anglican Cathedral in Lincoln. It together and promised to teach and guide them. high and lifted up in the center of the was during a sunset, and although no Meeting House. Why have most of the In other words, they thought a church was a one was in the pews, the service of Reformed Churches placed the pulpit in company of people among whom a living, acting evensong was about to begin. Fading the center of the peoples’ attention? Lord was present. Two things then, were needed: light filtered through the high window, Because this, to them, has always been the Lord, who had come to speak to His people, and the great Gothic columns moved the symbol of the Word of God dwelling and the people who had come to hear what the the heart toward heaven. The music of in their midst. It may be the minister Lord said. And it is this relationship of speaking the organ and the singing of the choir who stands there and speaks, but it is and hearing that has dominated the whole burst out of the silence like an angel God’s Word the people strain to hear! conception of the Congregational Meeting House. chorus and that mysterious, half- The pulpit is a kind of throne for the darkened cathedral Our Roman brethren make elaborate use of Word of God - a visible sign that the became a place Most Congregational symbol to express the relationship of people to living God is one who speaks to His apart. The traveler God. Statuary crowds their churches. Vaulting people, and that they have tried to will remember these Church buildings in columns suggest the mystery of the divine make a fit place for the Lord to be moments of rare presence and incense and pageantry in the heard. America are very service deepen the sense of awe. and precious And on that pulpit is another symbol, beauty. simple, their décor is Yet, the Congregational Meeting House was never which is the Bible. This is God’s Word meant to be a symbol at all! It was a written and recorded on the Perhaps it is no plain. place for Christian people to meet and In village after village pages of history. Not only wonder that as a for the Word to be preached and through the speaking of a Congregationalist he prayer to be offered. Almost in spite of among New person, but also through the should come away asking: Why doesn’t themselves, these buildings have had a reading of the Bible comes my tradition have cathedrals like that?” meaning. In village after village among England’s hills and the Word of the Lord to His Most Congregational church buildings in New England’s hills and valleys the people. The Book is open, to America are very simple, their decor is pure white lines of Congregational valleys the pure white suggest that God’s Word is plain. And if tradition be followed, our Meeting Houses have reminded the lines of Congregational free to everyone - no longer Congregational church buildings are not generations that people of God made closed to the people, written even “churches;” they are “Meeting those towns. And the character of the Meeting Houses have in a language they could not Houses.” For three hundred years, God they loved is reflected in the understand, and chained to Congregationalists of America have buildings they built. Plain and white. reminded the the pulpit as in medieval rejoiced in their simplicity and have Pure and clean. Simple, yet rich. But times! been uplifted by their plainness. always, the place for worship. Always, generations that people And yet the greatest symbol the place where people were to meet Whence came this tradition? Why were of God made those is on the floor of the Meeting on Sunday morning to hear the living these places of worship so revered by House in front of the pulpit, God who would speak to them there. their Puritan congregations? For towns. or perhaps raised up in the Congregationalists, what is the meaning center of the sanctuary. It is of the Meeting House? 2. WITHIN THE WALLS a simple, strongly built table. The But come inside. What does the Meeting House Communion Table. The Holy Table at 1. GATHERED BY GOD mean when viewed from the pew? What symbols which Christ and His friends ate the Last Supper and where we eat it too, in From the earliest days of their do the people see, and how does this building remembrance of Him. It is a Table at separation from the state church in “fitly framed together” bespeak the God they which the Church’s treasured England, Congregationalists have serve? communion silver is set, perhaps only thought of their churches as “gathered six or eight times a year. Here the Good .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Shift in the Meaning of Deer Head Sculpture in Javanese House Interior
    6th Bandung Creative Movement International Conference in Creative Industries 2019 (6th BCM 2019) A Shift in The Meaning of Deer Head Sculpture in Javanese House Interior Rahmanu Widayat1 1Department of Interior Design, Fakulty of Art and Design, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia [email protected] Abstract Kejawen community of Java, syncretism from Java, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam possess many kinds decoration in their houses (Javanese houses). One of them is deer head sculpture. Even though it is an imported culture, the deer head sculpture can be easily accepted by the Javanese people because references regarding deer story have been found since the old time. Even though related to deer are quite common, there has not been any research on the shift in the meaning of deer in the context of Javanese culture. The method used in this study is qualitative re- search with the paradigm interpretation. The results of the analysis found that the deer head sculpture, which was originally a preserved and displayed ravin at home as a symbol of prestige, has a connection with Hindu culture, Majapahit culture, Mataram dynasty royal regalia, and Javanese (commonner) Javanese culture. In the context of to- day's modern culture, deer head sculptures are displayed in today's interiors to present a traditional atmosphere and for the sake of nostalgia Keywords meaning, deer head sculture, Javanese house atmosphere of the past. This shows a shift in meaning related 1. Introduction to the deer head sculpture art works. In ancient time, male deer head sculptures were very popular and adorned interior design in many houses of dis- 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Legislative Analysis
    Legislative Analysis Mitchell Bean, Director RESTRICT RELEASE OF AUTOPSY PHOTOGRAPHS Phone: (517) 373-8080 http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa House Bill 4249 as enrolled Public Act 322 of 2003 Sponsor: Rep. John Gleason House Committee: Judiciary Senate Committee: Judiciary Third Analysis (12-16-04) BRIEF SUMMARY: The bill would amend sections of the Public Health Code concerning vital records to specify when “autopsy photographs” can be displayed publicly and to allow injured persons, including family members, guardians, and personal representatives, to bring a civil suits against those who publicly display such photographs. FISCAL IMPACT: The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local governmental units. THE APPARENT PROBLEM: On December 12, 1996, a young woman from Genesee County died in a drunk driving accident. Devastated by the loss of her daughter, the young woman’s mother visited a number of area high schools to warn students about the dangers of drinking and driving. When she held up a copy of her daughter’s autopsy report during one school visit, a student announced that he had seen photographs of her daughter that had been taken during her autopsy. The woman learned that the autopsy photos were being displayed as part of a “morgue tour” that some county judges required of first-time offenders found guilty of underage possession, drunk driving, and other alcohol-related violations. Defenders of the practice believe that it deters offenders from returning to court, or worse yet, winding up in the morgue themselves. The deceased woman’s family was outraged by the use of their daughter’s body by the courts as a public resource without their consent or knowledge.
    [Show full text]
  • Home Life: the Meaning of Home for People Who Have Experienced Homelessness
    Home life: the meaning of home for people who have experienced homelessness By: Sarah Elizabeth Coward A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Sheffield Faculty of Social Sciences Department of Sociological Studies September 2018 Abstract ‘Home’ is widely used to describe a positive experience of a dwelling place (shelter). It is about a positive emotional connection to a dwelling place, feeling at ‘home’ in a dwelling place, where both physiological and psychological needs can be fulfilled. This portrayal of ‘home’, however, is not always how a dwelling place is experienced. A dwelling place can be a negative environment, i.e. ‘not-home’, or there may be no emotional attachment or investment in a dwelling place at all. Both circumstances receive little attention in the literature. This research explores the realities of ‘home’ by delving into the ‘home’ lives of seventeen individuals who had experienced a range of different housing situations, including recent homelessness, moving to a (resettlement) sole tenancy and then moving on from that tenancy. Participants were asked to recall their housing histories, from their first housing memory as a child up to the time of interviewing. For each housing episode, they were asked to describe the circumstances of their life at the time, for example relationships, employment and education. They were also asked to reflect on their housing experiences. Similarities and differences of experience are explored according to gender and type of housing situation. This research tells the story of lives characterised by housing and social instability, often triggered by a significant change in social context in childhood.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impeachment and Trial of a Former President
    Legal Sidebari The Impeachment and Trial of a Former President January 15, 2021 For the second time in just over a year, the House of Representatives has voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump. The House previously voted to impeach President Trump on December 18, 2019, and the Senate voted to acquit the President on February 5, 2020. Because the timing of this second impeachment vote is so close to the end of the Trump Administration, it is possible that any resulting Senate trial may not occur until after President Trump leaves office on January 20, 2021. This possibility has prompted the question of whether the Senate can try a former President for conduct that occurred while he was in office. The Constitution’s Impeachment Provisions The Constitution grants Congress authority to impeach and remove the President, Vice President, and other federal “civil Officers” for treason, bribery, or “other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Impeachment is one of the various checks and balances created by the Constitution, and it serves as a powerful tool for holding government officers accountable. The impeachment process entails two distinct proceedings carried out by the separate houses of Congress. First, a simple majority of the House impeaches—or formally approves allegations of wrongdoing amounting to an impeachable offense. The second proceeding is an impeachment trial in the Senate. If the Senate votes to convict with a two-thirds majority, the official is removed from office. The Senate also can disqualify an official upon conviction from holding a federal office in the future; according to Senate practice, this vote follows the vote for conviction.
    [Show full text]
  • Grade 5 – the Birchbark House Companion Resources for the ELA Guidebooks for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
    Grade 5 – The Birchbark House Companion Resources for the ELA Guidebooks for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities This past year, the Department created the Companion Resources for the ELA Guidebooks for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities to facilitate access and opportunity with a high-quality curriculum, improve professional learning between content area specialists and expert teachers of special education teachers, and increase options for students with the most complex needs to participate in an inclusive and least restrictive environment. The Companion Resources are available for the 2020-2021 academic year in DRAFT form. For teachers/ schools/ systems choosing to use these Companion Resources, the Department requires you to complete a survey so that we may track implementation and solicit your feedback along the way. Thus, if you have not already, please complete the survey found at the link below. The Companion Resources are now available in DRAFT form for teachers, schools, and systems to pilot during the 2020-2021 academic year. Please complete the brief survey linked below so that the Department can track implementation and solicit feedback in order to improve the quality of the Companion Resources. Happy piloting! *** We are also including related links to support your introduction to and use of the Companion Resources: Survey to Access the Draft Companion Resources Training: Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities: Companion Resources for the ELA Guidebooks, Teacher Leader Summit 2020 Guidance
    [Show full text]
  • A House and Its Head Pdf, Epub, Ebook
    A HOUSE AND ITS HEAD PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Ivy Compton-Burnett | 304 pages | 28 Feb 2001 | NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS | 9780940322646 | English | New York, NY, United Kingdom A House and Its Head PDF Book You must log in to edit Common Knowledge data. He remained as he was, until she came up, and then without turning his eyes upon her, walked from the house. Newer Post Older Post Home. Cookie Settings. Ivy Compton-Burnett occupies an unusual space in British literary history, for, like many novelists of her generation, her work is deeply influenced by British literary tradition. Things You'll Need. Trivia When House is in his bathroom talking to his team on the phone and the nurse outside his door, he talks about his "large colon. References to this work on external resources. Learn more Duncan stood in the hall, with hat and book, in an attitude of being on the point of leaving the house. The House of Representative can impeach an elected official while the Senate does not have this power. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first. All bills which deal with revenue must come from the House of Representatives before proceeding to the Senate. Thirteen Anne Dudek And sometimes, Compton-Burnett manages to combine the ridiculousness of the things we say with the terrible ways we use language—or, in this case, the lack thereof—as a weapon with which to degrade or devalue others. A radical thinker, one of the rare modern heretics, said Mary McCarthy of Ivy Compton-Burnett, in whose austere, savage, and bitingly funny novels anything can happen and no one will ever escape.
    [Show full text]
  • Definitions and Explanations
    Definitions and Explanations The United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas according to published standards that are applied to Census Bureau data. The general concept of a metropolitan or micropolitan statistical area is that of a core area containing a substantial population nucleus, together with adjacent communities having a high degree of economic and social integration with that core. Standard definitions of metropolitan areas were first issued in 1949 by the then Bureau of the Budget (predecessor of OMB), under the designation "standard metropolitan area" (SMA). The term was changed to "standard metropolitan statistical area" (SMSA) in 1959, and to "metropolitan statistical area" (MSA) in 1983. The term "metropolitan area" (MA) was adopted in 1990 and referred collectively to metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), consolidated metropolitan statistical areas (CMSAs), and primary metropolitan statistical areas (PMSAs). The term "core based statistical area" (CBSA) became effective in 2000 and refers collectively to metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas. OMB has been responsible for the official metropolitan areas since they were first defined, except for the period 1977 to 1981, when they were the responsibility of the Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards, Department of Commerce. The standards for defining metropolitan areas were modified in 1958, 1971, 1975, 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010. Beginning in first quarter 2015, the Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey began using the new metropolitan and micropolitan statistical definitions announced by OMB in February 2013, and were based on the application of the 2010 standards to Census 2010 data. The February 2013 definitions are available at: http://www.census.gov/population/metro/.
    [Show full text]
  • Contingent Election of the President and Vice President by Congress: Perspectives and Contemporary Analysis
    Contingent Election of the President and Vice President by Congress: Perspectives and Contemporary Analysis Updated October 6, 2020 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov R40504 Contingent Election of the President and Vice President by Congress Summary The 12th Amendment to the Constitution requires that presidential and vice presidential candidates gain “a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed” in order to win election. With a total of 538 electors representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia, 270 electoral votes is the “magic number,” the arithmetic majority necessary to win the presidency. What would happen if no candidate won a majority of electoral votes? In these circumstances, the 12th Amendment also provides that the House of Representatives would elect the President, and the Senate would elect the Vice President, in a procedure known as “contingent election.” Contingent election has been implemented twice in the nation’s history under the 12th Amendment: first, to elect the President in 1825, and second, the Vice President in 1837. In a contingent election, the House would choose among the three candidates who received the most electoral votes. Each state, regardless of population, casts a single vote for President in a contingent election. Representatives of states with two or more Representatives would therefore need to conduct an internal poll within their state delegation to decide which candidate would receive the state’s single vote. A majority of state votes, 26 or more, is required to elect, and the House must vote “immediately” and “by ballot.” Additional precedents exist from 1825, but they would not be binding on the House in a contemporary election.
    [Show full text]
  • ED311449.Pdf
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 311 449 CS 212 093 AUTHOR Baron, Dennis TITLE Declining Grammar--and Other Essays on the English Vocabulary. INSTITUTION National Council of Teachers of English, Urbana, Ill. REPORT NO ISBN-0-8141-1073-8 PUB DATE 89 NOTE :)31p. AVAILABLE FROM National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 Kenyon Rd., Urbana, IL 61801 (Stock No. 10738-3020; $9.95 member, $12.95 nonmember). PUB TYPE Books (010) -- Viewpoints (120) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC10 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *English; Gr&mmar; Higher Education; *Language Attitudes; *Language Usage; *Lexicology; Linguistics; *Semantics; *Vocabulary IDENTIFIERS Words ABSTRACT This book contains 25 essays about English words, and how they are defined, valued, and discussed. The book is divided into four sections. The first section, "Language Lore," examines some of the myths and misconceptions that affect attitudes toward language--and towards English in particular. The second section, "Language Usage," examines some specific questions of meaning and usage. Section 3, "Language Trends," examines some controversial r trends in English vocabulary, and some developments too new to have received comment before. The fourth section, "Language Politics," treats several aspects of linguistic politics, from special attempts to deal with the ethnic, religious, or sex-specific elements of vocabulary to the broader issues of language both as a reflection of the public consciousness and the U.S. Constitution and as a refuge for the most private forms of expression. (MS) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY J. Maxwell TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)." U S.
    [Show full text]
  • Defense Mechanism Reflected in the Character Gregory House in Tv Series House M.D Season 1-3
    DEFENSE MECHANISM REFLECTED IN THE CHARACTER GREGORY HOUSE IN TV SERIES HOUSE M.D SEASON 1-3 A FINAL PROJECT In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement For S-1 Degree in American Studies In English Department, Faculty of Humanities Universitas Diponegoro Submitted by: Nadhifa Azzahra Irawan 13020114140096 Faculty of Humanities Universitas Diponegoro SEMARANG 2017 ii PRONOUNCEMENT The writer sincerely affirms that she compiles this thesis entitled ‘Defense Mechanism Reflected in the Character Gregory House in TV Series House M.D Season 1-3’ by herself without taking any result from other researchers in S-1, S- 2, S-3, and in diploma degree of any university. The writer also emphasizes she does not quote any material from the existed someone’s journal or paper except from the references mentioned later. Semarang, 16 July 2018 Nadhifa Azzahra Irawan iii MOTTO AND DEDICATION And He found you lost and guided [you] ad-Dhuha : 7 We are here and alive in our own little corner of time. John O’Callaghan Use your mind and make it talk Cause in this world it's all you've got We all fall down from the highest clouds to the lowest ground The Answer, Kodaline This final project is dedicated for myself, and my family. iv APPROVAL DEFENSE MECHANISM REFLECTED IN THE CHARACTER GREGORY HOUSE IN TV SERIES HOUSE M.D SEASON 1-3 Written by: Nadhifa Azzahra Irawan NIM: 13020114140096 is approved by Thesis Advisor on July 27th, 2018 Thesis Advisor, Rifka Pratama, S.Hum., M.A. NPPU. H.7.199004282018071001 The Head of English Departement, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • House System
    THE RON CLARK ACADEMY House System BRAND GUIDELINES Version 01, Summer 2019 The Ron Clark Academy House System is a dynamic, exciting, and proven way to create a positive climate and culture for students and staff. Using RCA’s methods will help your school or district confidently implement processes that build character, relationships, and school spirit. Our guidelines are designed to give you a streamlined framework that can be applied to any type of learning environment. The Ron Clark Academy Table of Contents The House system House System in a Nutshell 05 The House System 1. ON THE FIRST DAY of the school year, 05 Why the House System? Why the House System? incoming 5th graders (or the youngest students in your class, school, or 07 Words of Wisdom Implementing the RCA House System with your class, grade, district) spin a wheel to be sorted into 09 Sorting into Houses school, or district will provide benefits that will deeply impact a House at random. students and teachers alike. 2. STUDENTS REMAIN IN THIS GROUP until they graduate. 11 The Four Houses of every 15 Altruismo Students and teachers at schools where the House System has been put in place 3. EACH HOUSE IS COMPOSED have raved about the impact it has had on the educational experience. Children child in the school — teachers, faculty, 21 Amistad have noted such things as how it has helped them to form friendships and create and staff — allowing students to 27 Isibindi closer bonds with their peers. Teachers have noted how students perform at higher socialize with one another across 33 Rêveur levels when points are assigned and their peers are cheering them on.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 1 the Meaning of Progress
    Chapter 1 The Meaning of Progress Change is not progress. H.L. Mencken Suppose that all your objects in life were realized; that all the changes in institutions and opinions, which you are looking forward to, could be completely effected at this very instant; would this be a great joy and happiness to you? Autobiography of John Stuart Mill Will our sons and daughters be better off at the dawn of the third millennium than our grandparents were at the start of the twentieth century? Nobody would have posed this question in 1900; the answer was too obviously yes. Now many intelligent observers doubt future progress. The twentieth century with its vicious total wars, the holocaust, ethnic cleansing, and environmental degradation has put an end to hopes that society and mankind will achieve perfection and even raised doubts as to whether life will continue to improve. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, virtually all literate people in Europe and North America accepted without question the existence and desirability of progress. Prior to the Enlightenment most people had viewed life as static. Reflecting the view that fashions and living conditions were unchanging, the medieval artist portrayed early Christians dressed in contemporaneous costumes and inhabiting fifteenth century castles. A growth in knowledge of history and science gradually led to the realization that human life had changed over the centuries. As a consequence after 1750 most Westerners embraced the concept of progress for mankind if not for the non–human world. The perception that life, the earth, and the universe were constantly changing grew only slowly even in Europe and North America.
    [Show full text]