Scottish Communion
Scottish Communion – Sunday, July 19. We continue the beloved DPC tradition honoring our denomination’s Scottish roots as we gather at 9:30 am during a unique time of worship. Together we share in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, enjoy music from a traditional Scottish ensemble, and gather for shortbread in the churchyard.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) is steeped in Scottish tradition as it was developed in the era of the sixteenth century by Scottish reformer John Knox. In 1560 he introduced the First Book of Discipline which attempted to apply the theocratic (literally: God rules) system to a whole kingdom, which had been developed first in Geneva, Switzerland by John Calvin.
For conduct of public worship, Knox prepared the Book of Common Order which was approved by the General Assembly in 1564. This document suggests much about the order of Scottish worship and its rugged simplicity. However, the Church of Scotland is changing as much as the PC(USA), so there are many variations in worship today.
The Entrances in the service are of strategic importance. The Scottish Presbyterian held in highest honor the open Word of God (Little Entrance) and the Communion (Great Entrance). The people would stand in honor as these holy items were brought into and taken from the Sanctuary. This custom is still observed in some of the old parish churches of Scotland.
The Scots Confession was written by John Knox and four associates at the request of the Scottish Parliament over a period of four days in 1560. It remained the Confession of the Kirk of Scotland until superseded in 1647 by the Westminster Confession of Faith. All of the prayers used in the service today are from Knox as well.
The bagpipes and drums represent some of Scotland’s traditional music makers. The sounds are stately, joyous, and thrilling. Depending on the particular clan of Scots, the musician’s dress was that of tartan kilt.