The Altar is where our communion elements -- the bread and the wine -- are placed. It is also where we present our tithes and offerings to God. The Altar is symbolic of a very real experience: the presence of God dwelling among us.
The Cross is always in place in our worship. On Good Friday, it is draped in black, symbolizing the atoning death of Jesus Christ, the sacrificial Lamb of God. On Easter Sunday, it is uncovered, symbolizing the Resurrection of Christ.
The candles are lit at the beginning of worship, symbolizing the Light of God in our midst. At the conclusion of worship, the acolyte extinguishes the candles and carries the light out in procession. This symbolizes that as we go into the world, we take the Light of God into a world darkened by sin.
