Altar as Table

The article below originally appeared in our congregation's monthly newsletter as part of our movement to a freestanding altar.

Over the last several months, the worship and music committee has been discussing moving the altar out from the wall, that is, making it a freestanding altar. In October they shared their recommendation with the congregational council and it was approved. In practical terms, what this will mean is that the presiding minister will stand behind the altar and face the congregation throughout the whole celebration of Holy Communion. No firm timetable has been established yet for this project. Some minor woodworking needs to be done beforehand.

This, of course, is no small news because the altar is one of the main focal points of our gathering for worship as the church. It is the place, in the intimate meal of Holy Communion, where God and his people meet. This movement to a freestanding altar allows us think more deeply about what the altar is and what Holy Communion is about.

What do we mean when use the word “altar”? “Altar” usually refers to the table upon which Holy Communion is celebrated. In fact, the chief function of the altar (some would say the only function) is as the place of the meal of Holy Communion. Some also think of the rear wall of the chancel as the altar; others see the whole chancel space (the front part of the worship space) as the altar. When we speak of moving to a freestanding altar, we are speaking of the altar table itself.

Moving to a freestanding altar emphasizes at least two things about Holy Communion. First, it emphasis that the Eucharist is a meal that we share and the altar is a table around which the faithful gather to celebrate that meal. Just as at meals at tables in our homes, as the church we also gather around the table of our Lord. This helps us understand more deeply and concretely that Holy Communion is in fact a meal. Indeed, it is the best meal, for at this table we are given the Bread of Life himself.

Second, moving to a freestanding altar emphasizes that the celebration of Holy Communion is a celebration of the whole church. A pastor properly presides at all celebration of Holy Communion, but the whole church, pastor and people together, celebrates Holy Communion. This is highlighted in the dialog, the exchange with which we begin Holy Communion: “The Lord be with you.” If there is no one to say, “And also with you” back to the pastor, Holy Communion does not happen. In other words, as the pastor faces the congregation, we are reminded that the whole church celebrates this meal that we share.