Summer 2023 at St. Stephen's, West Vancouver
In anticipation of another lovely west coast summer, the Rector of St.Stephen’s, West Vancouver, the Reverend Kenneth Vinal initiated some variations to worship. Since the communion rail had been removed because of COVID, Holy Communion continued to be practised with people separated and standing. In the rector’s opinion the rails have always been a barrier between the altar and the congregation. This was a solution to that barrier.
For Easter Sunday, the congregation had been asked to bring small flowers to decorate the Easter Cross. This they did on their way up to the altar for Communion. They had also been requested to bring a small bell to ring during the singing of the Gloria. This idea came with the rector from his home state of Florida, where the Episcopal Cathedral in Jacksonville and two parishes in central Florida practised this joyous celebration on Easter Sunday.
To facilitate less distance between the congregation and those leading worship, the Rev. Vinal moved a portable lectern to act as an ambo directly in front of the first row of pews. Therefore the readings from Scripture and the sermon take place from the same place as the Rev. Vinal said, “preaching the word of God from one location.”
St. Stephens's Minister of Music, Dr. Annabelle Paetsch has been working in close harmony with the rector to achieve congregational participation in new music, aiming to break down barriers caused by unfamiliarity and physical separation. A series of pieces of global origin (Mexican, Spanish, Brazilian, Puerto Rican, Swedish) are being introduced, beginning in Epiphany and extending into the Ordinary Time of the summer, with music and words downloaded by permission and reproduced in the printed order of service. Using a keyboard so that she faces the nave, Annabelle has been teaching the congregation what they need to know to participate in the new hymns. As the first one was of Mexican origin, she asked a member of the choir to play maracas.
With the onset of warm weather in July, the rector moved the entire congregation outside onto the courtyard. The piano was moved to the nearest open door, and several Latin American percussion instruments were handed out to members of the congregation. Everyone had a great time playing the rhythm instruments, and ended the service with applause and cheers.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands...”
IMAGES
- Members of the congregation worship outside
- The rector, the Reverend Ken Vinal
- The author of this piece shares a reading from Scripture
Photos: John Ruddick