This first evening Contemplative Eucharist was an outgrowth from our morning contemplative eucharist in Lent of 2012. For many years, we had a series of evensongs — usually six — throughout the program year.

With this service, we began replacing a few of those with this new form. Much silence, an instrumental piece as the sermon, prayers through lighting candles, and very few spoken words.

They became very effective worship experiences.