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Festival Eucharist
Every eucharist is a celebration, and every Sunday is a feast in the church, but five times a year, and occasionally for other events, we bring out the best we have to mark the points on which our belief and life together rest. At Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, St. Columba Day and All Saints, we go all out to give thanks and praise for the great things that God has done for us in the birth of Jesus Christ, in his death and resurrection, in the gift of the Holy Spirit, and through the saints, known and unknown, in all ages.
Anglican tradition respects the power of the senses to open the heart, and these services are a feast in many ways. They are marked by elaborate flowers and vestments, banners and processions. Choirs prepare great music, and instruments — handbells, brass, timpani, the church’s chamber orchestra or bagpipes (on St. Columba Day) — augment the organ and singing. Lessons, prayers and preaching point toward a deeper vision of the loving God who created, redeems and sustains us.
As on regular Sundays, services are not all alike. Some are very formal, with the celebrant chanting portions of the liturgy and incense, which symbolizes the prayers of the congregation rising to heaven. At others, children’s choirs sing and the liturgy, music and preaching are geared to appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. Storytime is often offered. Child care is noted on the calendar listing for the service.
On each of these big feast days, there are simpler services especially for families with preschool children.
We encourage you to come especially early to these great celebrations of the church, to rest from the excitement and noise of the season and enjoy the music that precedes services.
Schedule: Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, St. Columba Day and All Saints
Contact: Rose Duncan