Note from the Vestry — In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continually update our practices to best care for our community’s physical and spiritual wellbeing. We are currently worshipping in a hybrid way, with some members coming in person and others worshiping online via Zoom. 

We begin every Sunday service with the declaration that “from wherever you come, with whatever you bring, you are welcome here with us.” You are welcome to join in as much or as little feels comfortable for you. Here’s what you can expect:

Our style of worship is reverently relaxed, reflecting the variety of church backgrounds from which our congregants come. We tend to be open and flexible about liturgical styles, and we use inclusive language in our prayers and worship. We have adapted dozens of hymns (and some Beatles songs!) to welcome God in all genders and all people.

Worship at St. Paul’s is joyful and spiritual. Our musical repertoire includes a wide variety of hymns, spirituals, chants, and popular songs. We most often worship in our sanctuary, though on Easter morning and summer Sundays you may well find us worshipping outdoors in our Meditation garden.

Our sermons help parishioners to understand God in the scriptures and to see God in our everyday lives. Several members of the church are regular guest preachers, including a faculty member in the Department of Theology at Boston College, seminarians, and lay people. We have also welcomed rabbinical students from Hebrew College and leaders from the Newton Centre Minyan.

When we are not bound by COVID protocols, our joyful method of exchanging Peace enhances our spirit of community. Traditionally many members of the congregation move into the aisle, going from pew to pew and exchanging hugs as well as handshakes with every other person. “Peace be with you,” is our general greeting at this time. For now, we greet each other with a peace sign, a slight bow, or a wave.

The Peace is followed by announcements, of which there are usually many. Members of the congregation talk about upcoming projects and events ranging from sponsoring someone in the Walk for Hunger to practicing morning meditation to attending community Peace Meals in parishioners’ homes.

Central to our Sunday service is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist — the meal Jesus taught us to prepare in remembrance of him. St. Paul’s provides an open table where all are welcome to be nourished by the spiritual Food. Most parishioners received Communion at the altar; we who are unable to walk to the altar receive Communion in our seats. Anyone and everyone is welcome come forward and receive a blessing (signal this by crossing your arms across your chest).

Once the service is concluded, parishioners stay seated for the musical postlude. This provides an opportunity to reflect upon the service and to enjoy the music. Afterwards we gather for coffee hour, where we hope to get to know you more.