Misuse of the sanctuary?

[drafdog]

Historically, Christian worship took place in private homes. Christianity was not an approved form of worship in the Roman empire. Once Constantine had de-criminalized Christianity, they were free to gather in larger numbers and required larger buildings to accommodate the congregation. Constantine approved the use of basiliki for liturgical purposes. A basilica (check Catholic encyclopedia and Wikipedia for articles on architecture) were public buildings. At one end was a raised platform under a semicircular roof (apse) which was used as a court room. The name “basilica” means “king’s court.” So we had public buildings used for religious purposes. The nave of the basilica was normally a place for business men to congregate and form limited trading companies, engage in barter and trade and so forth. Public meetings for local government were also held there. You can hardly complain when we move back and forth in the common usage of “public” buildings.
I know that some churches have better acoustics than others. The one I worship in is almost acoustically dead. It makes the choir’s work harder. We can’t rely on the natural resonance of the building to enhance the sound.
I was at a concert at the cathedral not long ago. It was an organ recital marathon. Organists from the archdiocese were invited to take part. Each filled a half hour time slot from 2PM until 5PM. Our organist was one of the performers. They alternated from the organ on the main floor of the church (a Casavant) and the choir loft organ (an Austin). The blessed sacrament is always in the side chapel. The concert goers behaved in an appropriately reverent manner. The music was almost all secular, but beautifully performed.
The arts have always been supported by the church and we should continue that tradition. I have been in numerous houses of worship for musical programs. The synagogue, the Presbyterian church, Catholic churches have all been sites of wonderful musical events. Bless the Lord for great music!

 

[Aran_Houlihan]

A crib service in r traditional shape church and they had all the pews facing their middle of the church and people had there back to the blessed sacrament

 

[OraLabora]

I was at a concert of medieval music at a monastery church in England last spring. One of the monks introduced the concert. At the end of the concert, he led the audience in a prayer of “reconsecration” to return the church to its sacred use.

I thought it was a fitting touch to the end of the concert, and it served to remind the secular audience that they weren’t just in any old concert hall, but a church belonging to a community of monks, and they were there as guests of this community.

 

[paperwight66]

. One Sunday we had a Communion rail, where we knelt to receive, as a clear point of where the Sanctuary began and the next Sunday we received standing in a line, just like the Protestant churches down the road. .

This statement puzzles me. Anglicans and Lutherans receive kneeling. Other Protestants bodies receive sitting, I understand, by passing trays along the rows.

So which Protestant churches receive standing?