You could say I’m a bit of a church mutt. I grew up Lutheran, spent about a decade in a Baptist church, attended non-denominational and evangelical Protestant churches for years, visited numerous Pentecostal and Orthodox churches, became an ordained minister in a multi-ethnic pietistic denomination, am learning about the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since working at the University, and am currently attending an Episcopal church.
One of the things I most appreciate about this vast church experience is a growing appreciation and love for the traditions within the Christian Tradition. I’ve discovered each tradition to be like a facet in a diamond, which has led me to see not simply the beauty of an individual facet, but the beauty of the entire diamond. Each facet of this faith brings with it great depth and richness.
My spiritual life has flourished and deepened since I’ve incorporated spiritual rhythms from the diversity of the Christian Tradition. Everything from Gospel music to the daily office and fixed-hour prayer, using icons to pray to centering prayer and silence, studying original languages and texts to participating in weekly communion has given me a holistic appreciation and understanding of my faith.
So, what I’m really saying is that if you’re thinking of starting a progressive church that plays a lot of Kirk Franklin, follows the Episcopal liturgy, does weekly communion, and has a bunch of icons in the sanctuary…do it. That would give me so much life. I’d tithe you all my money.
I want others to experience the breadth and beauty of this Tradition as well and it is why I am so excited to announce our first ever Vespers worship gathering on campus.
On Sunday, April 28th at 9:00 p.m. in Snidow Chapel, we will gather for a new worship event that will draw from a wide range of Christian traditions and styles. It will include ancient prayers with contemporary implications, contemplative practices with relevant music, and plenty of silence and space to listen for the Divine. The gathering will be deeply symbolic and refreshing; from the way we sit in a circle to the lighting of candles to the words we recite. Together, we will explore and experience different spiritual practices, worship styles, and participatory elements. Everything we do at Vespers will allow us to open ourselves up to the Divine so that the Divine might find us.
If you consider yourself on a spiritual path, have a desire to try something new, grew up in a particular tradition but want something else, hope to deepen your faith, want to find community, or are a fellow church mutt….All are welcome. I hope you will join us.
Nathan