May 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
On Sunday, May 3 at 4 PM, Christ Church will offer Choral Evensong centered around themes of peace and justice. The beloved tradition of Choral Evensong dates back hundreds of years and provides a contemplative space for congregants to be immersed in a rhythm of prayer and music.
This upcoming Evensong will feature musical selections that give words to our anguish amidst ongoing violence and injustice and speak to our ardent hopes for a transformed world. In prayers of petition such as those we offer at Evensong, we bring before God our needs and trust that God hears us. One way prayer changes the world is by changing us. Søren Kierkegaard wrote: “The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” The corporate offering of Choral Evensong attunes us to our common values and strengthens our capacity to work together—all through the mediums of beautiful music and words that nourish, inspire and energize our souls.
4pm – Christ Church Sanctuary
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A few reasons to love Choral Evensong
There are so many reasons to love Choral Evensong. As a chorister, the effort and focus required to prepare and execute the service is rewarding—for me, it’s not unlike the embodied satisfaction of running a race! For many of us ‘Sunday-morning Episcopalians,’ Evensong provides a different liturgical experience than our weekly Eucharistic expression, allowing us to diversify our ‘liturgical repertoire’ and open ourselves up to new spiritual experiences. While Eucharist lies at the heart of spiritual life for many of us, the monastic discipline of praying the Daily Office is a rich and rewarding part of our tradition that we would do well to maintain—not just for our individual and communal spiritual health, but because God delights in it! For visitors, Choral Evensong provides a low-commitment opportunity to spend time in a sacred space, get a taste of Episcopal worship and enjoy beautiful music.
So…if you’re looking for a place to put your sorrows and anxieties and re-energize your spirit for social change; if you seek a quiet and transcendent worship experience different from what you may be used to; or if you just love Anglican choral music (who, me?!), come join us this Sunday at 4 p.m.!
—Caroline Allen
