Saturday night alive in the church - "Heavenly Rock" at St. Paul's

Jule Koch Brison | Mar 15, 2012

Photo: Jason Silver, Sam Forderer, Lucas Silver and Sebastian Back.

Sometimes, attendees at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Sydenham would comment to their minister, The Rev. Judson Bridgewater, that it's difficult to get to church on a Sunday morning.

And musician Jason Silver, who attends the church, had always wanted to have a different kind of service, a more relaxed worship service with contemporary Christian music.

The two things were put together and "The Crossing: Heavenly Rock" was born. For several weeks this special service has been taking place every Saturday night at St. Paul's. The church doors are left open for the music to liven up the streets of Sydenham and the event has been drawing people from the community and other churches, and even some regulars from as far as Kingston.

Different bands have been playing at each service, with a mixture of youth, adult and adult/youth bands taking turns. And while attendance has been good, drummer Lucas Silver, who was playing last Saturday night, March 10, said, "It's not about the turnout." His father Jason agreed, "For us it's a way to come and enjoy church and to worship God; it's also a way of getting to know your neighbors."

Rev. Bridgewater agrees that the contemporary worship is a way of connecting with a different group of people. It's also a different way of experiencing God that has enabled him to appreciate the traditional Sunday morning worship even more.

He said he's been surprised and very pleased with how eager the musicians are to participate. He said, "Normally it's difficult to draw on volunteers, but the musicians are all excited to come and play - they really enjoy participating in the services."

Jason Silver announced that next Saturday night, March 17, will be an "Irish" service, with penny whistles, etc. in honor of St. Patrick's Day. He invited anyone who plays Celtic music to join them.

Originally the services were being held later in the evening, but after some attendees said they would prefer an earlier service, the time was changed to 6pm. Goodies, coffee and fellowship are enjoyed after the music and everyone - young, old and in between - is welcome to attend. For more information call 613-376-3003 or visit www.southfrontenacanglican.ca

Coming up this fall is the centenary anniversary of St. Paul's. There are actually two anniversaries - the first Anglican church in Sydenham was built in 1837. In 1912 the church was moved stone by stone to its present site and was re-consecrated in September of that year. More details will follow.