Sundays at 3:30
Simplicity is the hallmark of the Contemplative Eucharist held, since September 2010, at 3:30 on Sunday afternoons. Those who come are drawn to the quiet, candle lit, incense fragrant space prepared in the chancel around a small, circular table draped in white linen. In the framework of a beautiful, simplified liturgy approved by the Bishop, they sing Taizé, chant the Psalm of the day to a Gregorian tone, listen to readings from scripture and share their reflections. The Holy Communion is celebrated and then, after a few moments of quiet chanting, Tibetan gongs are sounded leading the worshipers into a twenty-minute silence, open to the presence of the Divine beyond human thought or concept. The service concludes with prayer. Before going home most participants gather in the green room for a time of fellowship over tea and cookies.
Before the service a few people gather in the library with Barclay McMillan to rehearse the Gregorian psalm and the Taizé chants. During the service they sit among the congregation to provide informal leadership of the singing. Before and after most services instrumental music is performed. We are grateful to Emily Burton for her beautiful recorder playing and to Francesco Palozzi for the serene tranquility of his harp.
