A New Summer Rhythm

Beginning June 7th, our worship will take on a more earthy, creation-centered rhythm rooted in two deeply grounded spiritual traditions: the ancient Celtic Christian tradition and the folk spirituality of Appalachia and shape-note singing.

Both traditions grew close to the land and close to ordinary life. They are forms of Christianity shaped not by spectacle or performance, but by fields and forests, kitchens and front porches, shared meals, hard work, community singing, and a deep awareness that God is present in the ordinary stuff of creation.

A few things to know as we begin this summer season together:

Summer Music Sing-Along – Wednesday, June 3 at 7:00pm

Everyone is invited — not just choir members or singers! Join us for a joyful evening of learning and singing the music we’ll be using throughout the summer.

Children in Worship This Summer

During the summer months, we will pause Children’s Chapel as is our custom. Instead, children are warmly invited into fuller participation in worship itself. Each Sunday, children may join the procession by carrying crosses, streamers, bells, or the Gospel Book, and during the service we’ll include a brief “Sacred Signs” moment — a short, hands-on exploration of something we see and do in worship each week. Together, we’ll learn about the symbols, objects, movements, and practices that shape our worship life. As always, children are not distractions in worship — they are a gift and an important part of the Body of Christ.

The Altar of Creation Returns

Like last summer, an “Altar of Creation” will be placed beneath the main altar throughout the season. This altar is a space for sharing the gifts of creation and the work of our hands with one another. You are invited to bring offerings to place on the altar before worship or during the offertory: garden produce, canned goods, baked treats, flowers, artwork, crafts, or anything homemade or from the earth that you would like to share with the community. Children are especially encouraged to contribute drawings, coloring pages, or artwork. At the end of each service, everyone is invited to take something from the altar — either for your own household or, even better, to share with a friend or stranger who may need encouragement this week. We invite you to take one of Messiah’s postcards as well and include a simple note letting them know the gift comes with love and prayers from Messiah’s altar.

We hope these new summer practices help us rediscover the beauty of worship that is grounded, communal, joyful, and deeply connected to God’s creation.