Special Services
Compline
On the first and third Sundays of the month at 8:00 p.m., the youth and young adults of Ginter Park lead services known as Compline: a peaceful nighttime service of chant, meditation, and prayer. The Compline service is generally held in the Sanctuary on the first Sunday and away from the church on the third Sunday.
In a book called The Music of Silence, David Steindl-Rast explains that Compline means “completion.” It is the hour that completes the circle of the day, and it makes the ancient tradition of bedtime prayers a communal experience.
“The characteristic psalm for Compline is the one in which we put ourselves into the shelter of God’s protecting love.” Steindl-Rast says. “As wayfarers surprised by the night might look for [a shelter under which to sleep] so we go under the ‘wings of the most high’” as we prepare to sleep. Jesus spoke of God as a mother hen who gathers her chicks under her wings. In the Psalms God is known as a mighty fortress, a secure dwelling place, a savior and helper upon which we can rely.
For many children, the night is a scary time . . . . Even for adults, it can represent an end to the order of the day – a time when nightmares can surface, along with doubts about our competence, our security, our place in the world. But night brings sleep, too – and the gift of rest. The virtue of Compline is faith that we can rest in God’s protection during the night. We can let go of consciousness and control, because God cares for us, and God remains awake.
Vespers
On the last Wednesday of each month during the school year, the elementary-aged children of the church lead Vespers – a service of song, prayer, and Scripture reading that incorporates artwork and dance the children have learned in their Music & Art Program. People of all ages are welcome to share in this time of worship.
Moravian Love Feast
A festive evening service in mid-December with lessons, carols, candlelight, beautiful choir anthems, and a symbolic Moravian feast of sweet buns and cocoa.