15-minute Assignment PRIOR TO JANUARY 13, 2017 CLASS
Field Observation in a Congregation
One of the ways we understand the culture and theology of a congregation is by observing its social setting, its building, its artifacts, and its rituals. This is a very brief introduction to how to start this process.
Visit a church building – preferably one you do not know. It can be for a worship service or at a time when worship is not held. Write brief notes to answer the following questions.
What does a quick look at the neighborhood tell you about the community surrounding this church?
The Chapel is located across from the main entrance of Lancaster General Hospital. I would say that the hospital is located in a socio-economically mixed part of Lancaster City. It is surrounded by single family homes. There are few businesses near the hospital. Many of the homes have near the hospital have been purchased by the hospital for office space, and the neighborhood is dominated by large parking structures. I think this is a reflection that the hospital and the chapel located within it is not only for the neighborhood, but people come to work and be served from all over the region.
What does the building tell you about the culture of this church?
The chapel itself reflects the inter-faith nature of the Chaplaincy ministry provided by the hospital. There are no overtly religious symbols or images in the sanctuary. The Catholic Priests who performs mass daily carries a crucifix from his office, and then returns it after the service is over. The walls are painted solid colors, and there is an alter in the back of the room.
What do the material objects inside the church tell you?
There are religious materials from mostly Christian faiths, but from different languages including Spanish and Chinese. There are prayer shawls for Jewish worshipers, and a copy of the Koran. There are no musical instrument such as a piano, which I think is reflective of the space being used for quiet prayer and meditation, and not for services.
Looking at the bulletin (if one is available inside the sanctuary), what do you learn about the symbols, rituals, worldview, tradition, and culture of this church?
There was no bulletin for this Chapel.