R. A creed is a basic statement of faith. There are two main creeds that are accepted by most Christian churches. The first is the Apostles’ Creed and the other is the Nicene Creed. The Apostles’ Creed is thought to be one of the earliest of the Christian Creeds and probably came from early Christian baptismal rites. The Nicene Creed was developed through the Council of Nicea in 325 CE as the church was discerning together in more detail what being Christian meant in terms of beliefs.
Each creed is set up in three articles (sections) each corresponding to one person of the Holy Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you look at both creeds you will note that the Nicene Creed, particularly in the articles about Jesus and the Holy Spirit, are more detailed than the Apostles’ Creed. That is because the church leaders of the time were finding that they needed to speak in more detail about who Jesus was in relationship to God the Father and the Holy Spirit’s relationship with the world.
The use of a creed in a worship service that does not include a baptism is what is called a “may rubric”. This means that it is something that we may do, but is not essential to our worship and can be omitted. The use of the Creeds in worship is a relatively recent occurrence. In the Western Church, the Nicene Creed was used in worship starting in the 11th century. In the Holy Communion service, the Apostles’ Creed has only been used by North American Lutherans for about 120 years.
Traditionally, the Apostles’ Creed is used during the season of Lent (which was originally a time of preparation for baptism) and the two seasons of “Ordinary” time after Epiphany and Pentecost. The Nicene Creed is traditionally used at all feast days and during the celebratory seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Easter.
So, the Apostles’ Creed is used during seasons associated more with baptism and our baptismal calling. You’ll also note that it retains this baptismal character as it is all in first person, “I believe in…” The Nicene Creed is used on the Festival Sundays and seasons. You’ll also note it has a communal feel as it is all in first person plural, “We believe…”
Hopefully, what the recitation of either creed does within the worship service is provide a reminder of our unity as believers as well as remind us of who this God is that we worship.
Let me know if you have further questions by emailing me.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Brian
Please let me know when the APOSTLES CREED is said and when is the NICENCE CREED is said ….
From which period to which period ?
The recitation of a creed in worship is what is called a “may” rubric. It is something that “may” happen but is not esseential. The Nicene Creed is traditionally used in Advent and Christmas, Easter and festival days. The Apostles’ Creed is appropriate at other times and whenever there is a baptism as it is one of the earliest baptismal creeds that we have.
So, if I’m to understand this correctly, the Apostles Creed is said during the rest of the Sunday’s in Lent?
Also, I’m new at typing the church bulletin. Do you happen to have a calendar, not the one from Augburgs Press that shows when the following change that you can share?
Example:
Hymn of Praise
Creed
Gospel Acclamation
Offertory verse
Invitation to communion
When to use, Agnus Dei…..Lamb if God
Post communion canticle
Thanks,
Alvina D’Anna.
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran of Edgemere
Alvina,
Traditionally you use the Nicene Creed during the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Easter and on festival Sundays (Pentecost, Tranfiguration, etc.) The Apostles’ Creed is used the other days.
As for the other elements you point to- those are harder to address with any regularity as most of them are what are called “may” rubrics and are things that may be included but don’t have to.
Pastor Brian will email you directly for an easier conversation on this.
So, if I’m to understand this correctly, the Apostles Creed is said during the rest of the Sunday’s in Lent?
Also, I’m new at typing the church bulletin. Do you happen to have a calendar, not the one from Augburgs Press that shows when the following change that you can share?
Example:
Hymn of Praise
Creed
Gospel Acclamation
Offertory verse
Invitation to communion
When to use, Agnus Dei…..Lamb if God
Post communion canticle
Thanks,
Alvina D’Anna.
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran of Edgemere