Sunday July 6, 2014 7pm

After this mornings big, tourist filled service at St. Paul’s Episcopal, I decided to go to an Evening Service at a small community church near my room in Chelsea.

I showed up at 6:40 and saw they were setting up a projector and bass amp. Before anyone had a chance to say hello, I left the sanctuary and took up a seat on a bench outside to check out the website and see what I was getting into. The website promised a casual service with a few contemporary songs , invited me to come early and meet folk, said there would be a time to study together and there was a meal served afterward.

I debated on that bench a good 20 mins and almost left but decided I was there and how bad could it be? Anyway they had warned this introvert to come late and have an excuse ready to get out of the meal at the end.

The service began with a lay person offering a very warm welcome, mentioning that the service is different than their morning services, praying and introducing the music leader who led us in two songs a contemporary praise song and a standard Episcopal hymn done in a contemporary style. No voices were amplified. Instrumentation was a guitar and bass both played tastefully and well and the congregation of around 23 sang out very strong. The soprano siting in front of me and an alto In the other row may have rehearsed with the band as they sang the songs flawlessly and added harmonies.

The congregation was delightfully diverse. Mostly young but a few older members. I got the impression That they mostly knew each other. I came in right as they were getting ready to begin and was greeted by two folks as I found a chair. I felt very welcomed the entire evening.

We meet right inside the main Entry to the church. Chairs set up In Rows in a rather nice intimate way.

The teaching was based on John’s telling of the Lazarus story. There had been a death in the congregation that week that was obviously on people’s minds and the teaching was about resurrection and faith. Normally I would have said the teaching was long (35 mins or so) but it was conducted so well and was very engaging so I didn’t mind.

The high point for me was the Gospel reading which was done by one of the younger members. His voice was crystal clear and so earnest I felt like I was hearing the words for the first time.

We sang one more song and prayed a bit. As the leader was drawing the service to a close he invited all to a soup meal being set up right where we had been worshiping. Had I been attending with someone we would have stayed but I couldn’t quite bring myself to stay alone. I thanked the leader as I left who was again very gracious. I thanked him for the service and let him know I was visiting from out of town. ( I didn’t want them to think my lack of future attendance reflected my experience.)

Pros –
Genuinely welcoming without feeling desperate.
Good biblically based contemporary music.
Music leadership was perfect for the size of congregation.
Teaching was warm, interesting and relevant.

Cons –
No women in any viewable leadership roll.
Would have liked a little something visual like a lit candle.

I most certainly would come to this service again. Next time I might even stay for soup.