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Simple Gifts
A treasured pause in the middle of the week
Candles flicker softly at the front of the sanctuary. Worshippers sit quietly in the first couple of pews, taking in the silence. When the entrance hymn begins, their voices echo brightly in the soaring space. Though few in number, those who attend Grace’s “Simple Gifts” midweek service revel in the peaceful setting.
“We all feel really blessed,” says Carol Prinz, a regular at Simple Gifts, a brief worship service offered at 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Worship lasts 20-25 minutes, including an abbreviated liturgy and Holy Communion. For participants who can’t attend church on Sunday, “Simple Gifts” is the highlight of the week. For others, the service is a treasured plus.
“It offers that pause, that respite in the middle of the week. You leave knowing what you should focus on,” comments Rich Schubkegel. “It helps me keep my life and my ministry in the proper perspective.” And the average attendance of six or seven only adds to the appeal, Schubkegel said. “You sort of feel like the early church – ‘where two or three are gathered in my name.. ’”
“I like the intimacy, and the closeness of the people,” said Dot Wilkie, who has attended Simple Gifts since it began about a year ago. There’s time to connect with other worshippers, and the regulars have become good friends. For Sandy Grams, who works on Sundays, the service is “an intimate time with each other and an intimate time with God.”
Grace pastors Kelly Faulstich, Bruce Modahl and Michael Costello rotate planning and officiating at Simple Gifts. The order of service includes prayers, hymns and responses (sung without accompaniment), scripture readings, a brief sermon, and communion. Worshippers stand to share bread and cup with each other. The approach “is just a nice change – a different kind of service,” says Prinz.
Which was the whole idea.
“We do big worship well, but there was no quiet, simple option,” says Pastor Faulstich. And no midweek choice. “We wanted to offer another worship opportunity. It speaks to the variety of worship we can practice. For me, personally, this service feels more intimate. As a worship leader, you can worship, too.”
Simple Gifts continues through February 15. Lenten midweek worship begins on Ash Wednesday Feb. 22, at 7:00 p.m. Simple Gifts will return after Easter.
Read columns and articles from previous issues of Grace Notes
