WordGarden.iooffertory
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɒfətərˌi/
US
- /ˈɑfərˌtɔri/noun
Meanings
Noun
the part of a Christian service when offerings are presented or collected, often with associated prayer or music
the offering or collection of money taken during a church service
Beyond the definition
The offertory is most often the part of a Christian church service when gifts or money are offered. In many churches, this is the moment when a plate or basket is passed around, and people give to support the church or help others. It is a time of giving, but it is also part of worship.
The word can also refer to the prayer, song, or piece of music used during this part of the service. So when you hear "offertory," it usually means either the act of receiving the offerings or something that happens during that moment.
The word "offertory" primarily refers to the part of a Christian worship service when offerings are presented. This often means money collected from the congregation, but it can also include other gifts brought for the church or for people in need. In many traditions, this is not just a practical collection. It is understood as an act of worship, gratitude, and giving.
The word can also name what belongs to that moment in the service. An "offertory prayer" is the prayer said as the gifts are presented. An "offertory hymn" or "offertory anthem" is the music sung or played at that time. In older church use, the word could even refer more directly to the offering itself.
Today, you will most often meet "offertory" in religious settings, especially in churches with formal liturgy. It usually points either to the offering part of the service or to the prayer or music connected with it. So the word carries both a practical sense, the receiving of gifts, and a spiritual sense, the idea of giving something as part of worship.
Examples
- 1
Church service
During the offertory, the children carried baskets of food to the front of the church.
- 2
Hymn
The choir sang a simple offertory hymn while the ushers moved through the pews.
- 3
Church music
The organist chose a short piece by Bach as the offertory.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- offertorynoun