What is a Contemplative-Style Eucharist?
A contemplative Eucharist service is designed to create a quiet, reflective space for worship centered on the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Is this the same as the 9:30am service but without music?
It’s not. All of the same pieces of a typical service (lessons, homily, creed, prayers of the people, and the eucharist) are there, so it is easily recognizable as an Episcopal Holy Eucharist. However, into this framework are woven in extra moments of silence and stillness that can draw us into deeper contemplation of God in scripture, one another, and the Eucharist. For instance, after each reading, the homily, and receiving communion we will sit quietly to allow what we have just heard and experienced to reverberate in our minds.

Additionally, many of the familiar parts that we say week after week have been changed. The text for the creed is different to allow us to think about God and the relationships between the members of the Trinity in a new way. The opening and closing processions with be repetitive to help lull us out of a sense of performance and into the rhythm of the words and the community gathered around us. The prayers of the people, actually a form from the Book of Common Prayer, give space after introducing a topic for all of us to silently pray as well. And, the Eucharistic Prayer includes some simple refrains to encourage us to see ourselves, not as a spectator, but a full and active participant in the work being done.

Lastly, while the altar will remain where it always is, we will take advantage of our flexible seating and rearrange the chairs to face each other across an aisle in what is commonly called choir (or quire) formation. This arrangement encourages deeper participation and connection to one another.

What if I don’t like silence?
You are definitely not alone. Being in silence is a skill. And, like any other it takes practice. The times of silence will be brief but noticeable, usually 1-2 minutes. Long enough to settle in, even for someone new to the practice. It might feel awkward or uncomfortable. That’s okay. There are no rules about what you do during this time. You can let your mind wander, you can say prayers, some like to have a breath prayer that they say with each inhalation and exhalation, some people pick a phrase or a word and repeat it like a mantra, and others try to quiet their thoughts altogether. Whatever you choose is just right.

Anything else I should know?
We believe in a God that speaks to us is great and astounding actions, but also in the silence and with a still, small voice. These next few weeks are an opportunity to gather as a community of love and support and share the Eucharist, like we always do. But, these next few weeks also offer us a chance to worship in a way that we don’t often do—we have time to find quiet in a world with so much chaos and noise. And, if you absolutely hate these services, they are only for three weeks!

Peace,