Have you ever thought about why we place flowers near the altar each Sunday (other than during Lent)?  While flowers are lovely, they are not placed there merely to beautify the sanctuary.

 

The appearance of flowers as a special feature in Christian churches began in the first Christian centuries. The Early Church had special regard for the sacrifice of their lives given by the first martyrs. Often, these martyrs were buried near or under the altars of the first churches, and flowers were brought to remember and honor them.  Many times in our church today, flowers are given “in loving memory” of a certain individual, keeping alive this ancient Church custom.  Flowers are also a symbol of life and are a continual reminder of the wonder of the natural world created by God. 

 

Cut flowers rather than potted plants are placed, and these will die within days; this is a vivid reminder that Christ lived a life of beautiful service and then sacrificed Himself for us. 

 

The sanctuary flowers sign-up poster for 2024 is in place in the narthex. If you would like to provide the flowers for a Sunday during 2024, please write your name on the board for the appropriate Sunday and indicate the occasion you are recognizing. 

Please sign up no later than one week before your chosen Sunday. The cost is only $10.00.

Please make your check payable to St. Paul's Lutheran Church and forward or hand it to Bernice Prescott. Please write “Sanctuary Flowers” on your check.

 

Providing flowers for the sanctuary is a wonderful way to remember the sacrifice of Christ and give glory and thanks to the Lord, and also to honor a special occasion or person or memorialize a loved one. You may remove the flowers after the service, or they will be appropriately donated. If you have any questions, please contact Bernice at 410-570-5277 or bernice.prescott@yahoo.com.