Legal Definitions - divine service

Definition: Divine service refers to two different things:

1. Historical: In feudal times, divine service was a type of land tenure where tenants were required to perform special religious duties, such as singing at a certain number of masses or giving a specific amount in alms.
2. Contemporary: Divine service now refers to a public worship service.

Examples:

• In medieval Europe, a lord might grant a piece of land to a tenant in exchange for divine service. This could include singing in the church choir or providing food and shelter to traveling priests.
• Today, many churches hold divine services on Sunday mornings. These services typically include prayers, hymns, a sermon, and communion.

The examples illustrate how divine service has evolved over time. In the past, it was a way for lords to ensure that their tenants were contributing to the church and supporting the clergy. Today, divine service is a way for people to come together and worship as a community.