“This is a place where you can meet God.”

For years, Sunday services felt more routine than comforting to Ellen Flanders, a lifelong member of Christ United Church in DeWitt, Michigan. Later, Alex Ivers, pastor of the ELCA Episcopal congregation, introduced a contemplative worship series for Lent in 2023.

Flanders, a retiree who takes care of her elderly mother, was energized by the new service.

“I’m stressed every day,” she said. “Going to meditate [at church] It was great for me. It just takes me to a different place. I feel really close to God and Jesus. ”

Ivars is pleased with the healing benefits of the service. “Everyone seems so stressed and so busy. This service is a way to slow down and calm down,” he said.

The pastor himself began meditating seven years ago while attending seminary. But his inspiration for contemplative worship came from scrolling through Facebook and seeing ads and posts from friends about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. He wondered if he could introduce this practice to members of the United Church of Christ.

Contemplative services have become so popular that they are now a permanent fixture on the church calendar, held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.

How to use

The service, held in the United Church of Christ sanctuary, includes chairs in a circle, pillows on the floor, and time for silence and verbal reflection. Candles are lit. Coloring books and crayons are also available for those who wish to use them for meditation. A jar of sand and a candle is located in the center of the room and is used to offer prayers at the end of the service.

Ivars begins the meditative service with an opening prayer and then leads a guided meditation. He asks participants to imagine their bodies as trees, their feet sticking out from the floorboards like roots, and their arms reaching toward the sun to gather nutrients. “This is a place where you can meet God,” he tells church members.

Participants have plenty of time to breathe and remain still while Mr. Ivars speaks. This is the core of meditation, which he defines as “being still.” [in] In a quiet space, focus on a word or a few words, turn inward…and listen to God’s voice. ”

Participants then listen to music and hear Ivars read the evening’s gospel lesson. As he reads, he asks participants to picture themselves in the story, how he felt when Jesus washed his feet, and how he tasted the wine at the wedding in Cana.

“I’m not hearing that more people want more church. There’s a hunger for spirituality and getting in touch with their souls.”

There will be two minutes of sacred silence after the Gospel reading, after which participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and reactions to the story. “We share how we felt, what we saw, what we experienced,” Flanders said. “By doing so, you can feel even closer to the other person.” [attendees] My church family is there. ”

Ivars added that silence allows participants to form their own thoughts about the Gospel text and connect with each other.

This format intrigued people young and old, even those who weren’t attracted to Christ United’s other offerings. In fact, Ivars said three people who had never been to Christ United started attending contemplative services this fall, and have since brought three others along.

Ivars said she would love to try a Sunday service that incorporates meditation in the coming months. He believes contemplative worship is the future of the church.

“I don’t hear that more people want more churches,” Ivars said. “There is a hunger for spirituality and getting in touch with your soul. [Meditative worship] It seems to provide spiritual nourishment to people. ”

Flanders appreciates that this service is something she can share with her adult daughters and husband. She highly recommends meditative worship to others.

“As the weeks went on, I became more conscious of keeping Jesus in my life,” Flanders said. “I feel more present. I feel even more grateful. I appreciate the nature and beauty around me. …Oh, I am loved, I am special, I am important to Jesus.” I remember that it exists.”

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