Enhancements to Our Worship, Part 3

A “gradine” (pronounced grah-DEEN) is a half-wall behind the altar used to hold candles, flowers, and in our case, the crucifer’s cross. It has been gifted to us by a former Altar Guild member and was made by the same craftsman who does all our sanctuary woodwork.

I’m delighted to add this to our worship space for many reasons. One is that it clearly defines our chancel space for our holy altar. Another is that it pulls our eyes up to the Christus Rex. Yet another is that it elevates our candles (“office lights”) and our flower offerings. It is quite beautiful.

The gradine will sit right behind the altar, where the altar-party chairs used to be. The chairs will be moved to either side of the gradine. You may be wondering, what about concerts and performances? The gradine has been built in three pieces, so it can be easily moved aside for nonworship gatherings.

The picture above shows only a rendering of our gradine, because I want to surprise you with the real thing on Palm Sunday. On this day, we will surely worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness—O come, let us adore him!

Mother Nina+