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Once a month, usually on the
first Sunday of the month, there is a contemporary worship service held at St.
Gregory's Church. The Simple Gifts Eucharist is conducted in Harris Hall
concurrently with the 10 a.m. service in the main church. It offers an
interesting contrast to the formal worship experience. The Simple Gifts setting
is informal, with chairs arranged in a semi-circle, and an altar covering made
of fabric covered with the hand prints of children.
The music is supplied by acoustic
guitars and often, a visiting bass fiddle. The "hymns" consist of old
favorites, modern praise music and some original compositions. The liturgy and
song lyrics are simple and joyful and are projected on a screen for all to
see.
Following the Gospel and a short
homily, the children (and any grownups who are interested) are invited to
participate in a craft activity designed to integrate with the themes of the
service. Communion is receieved standing up, in a large circle around the room.
While attendance varies, the service has sometimes attracted as many as a
hundred worshippers of various ages. It is not a child's service, per se, but a
service shaped to be enjoyed by the young-at-heart. |