“Evening rites to offer, joyfully chanting holy hymns to praise you” (Hymn 34)

As a child, I loved going to church in evening.  Somehow it was different than going in the morning.  Maybe it was because I got to stay up a bit later, or maybe it was the interplay of the evening light and shadow in the nave.  Maybe it was the music that was different. Whatever it was, some of my most vivid memories of worship as a child are of evening liturgies. 

I recently read an article that suggested several reasons why it was important to bring your children (and grandchildren) to worship on Christmas Eve.  One of the main reasons given was that it was simply important to go to church in the evening and other times during the week. (The second, incidentally, was the powerful experience of singing our hymns of faith together with our children in worship.)  The article went on to explain how it is good to attend worship on different days and times, because worship is fundamental to our faith. Worshipping at other times outside Sunday reminds us and teaches our children that our faith isn’t something we practice a couple hours on Sunday morning but a way of life and being in the world, 24-7.  For when we worship together more, our faith and community is strengthened as we are reminded of the hope of the Gospel in the midst of our crazy world.

So, why did I really like those evening rites so well – and value even more today?  All the above are certainly true. I know that the dance of light and shadow I experience helps to illumine the transcendent nature of these evening rites and helps to focus my attention on the Holy.  I know that the music offered in the evening is often prophetic and deep, and able to carry the weight of important theological truths in a manner that helps us encounter God and be transformed. I also know that many of our evening rites hold special significance because they mark important days in our liturgical year.  The liturgies of Ash Wednesday and Holy Week, and even those of the daily office, expose us to rich liturgical actions that are integral to our Christian life. That helps round out our salvation story and fill in the gaps between our Sunday celebrations. We miss out on a lot when we aren’t there.  

Yes, here come the opportunities… We have the gift to be able to attend not one but two evening rites over the next few weeks: Evensong on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 pm, and our evening Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 26 at 7:30 pm.  There are more opportunities in the coming months, too, both Evensongs and rich liturgies of Holy Week.  

I encourage you to come experience worship at a different day and time.  Do bring your children and grandchildren, as there is as much for them as there is for you, if not more.  

In addition to coming on Sunday, come worship together in community as the shadows of night fall around us and the busy world is hushed.  Come and pray together in community as we prepare and begin the holy journey of Lent together. Let the dance of light and shadow focus your hearts and mind on Jesus Christ.

Therefore we come now evening rights to offer,Joyfully chanting holy hymns to praise You,With all creation joining hearts and voices Singing Your glory. – Hymn 34, Hymnal 1982

Soli Deo Gloria,

Dr. Ben Keseley, Minister of Music