Tendrils of incense rise from glowing tips, consecrating the simple room with a holy fragrance. Saints set in iconic plaques watch with ancient eyes as the priest readies the space for worship. She touches a match to the wick of a slender white candle she has placed at the center. Chairs encircle this solitary flame.
We arrive, sit, and open in prayer. We arise, softly singing a meditative hymn, and together light the remaining candles, drawing our flames from the first candle. Some of them sit in ornate candelabras while others are tea lights nestled in small ledges of the stone wall.
Scripture is read and the words linger in the air. We breathe them in. God is among us.
The priest invites us to comment on the gospel. We ponder, we share, we listen. We seek, find, and grow. Following this discussion we reaffirm our baptismal covenant, confess our sins, and pass the peace. The Holy Spirit is among us.
We arrive at the liturgy of the table. With the priest we sit cross-legged on a braided rug as she recites the Eucharistic Prayer. The bread and wine are consecrated in unadorned clay vessels. The shallow bowl holding the bread is passed around, and we administer the sacrament to each other in turn. The goblet of wine follows. Jesus Christ is among us.
We close with a prayer of thanksgiving. As we sing Bless The Lord, we clear the table and snuff the candles.
Experience “Alt Worship” for yourself. Join us each Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Canterbury Room. Come, participate, be blessed, be a blessing. All are welcome here.
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