Community Celtic worship service launches April 14 in Oak Ridge

Beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14, a new worship service will be available for the greater community, grounded in the Celtic tradition. There is a popular Celtic service once a month in Knoxville, and many in Oak Ridge believe it is time to offer such a service here. Two congregations, First United Methodist Church and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, have agreed to sponsor this monthly service. Two other churches are exploring the possibility of participating.

This new service, firmly grounded in the Christian faith, will be ecumenical in scope, using prayers and liturgy from a range of Christian traditions, primarily Celtic and the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer. The language will be welcoming and inclusive, with an emphasis on the goodness of creation and the responsibilities that come from being made in the image of God, according to a news release.

In response to the busyness of society, this service will be contemplative in nature. There will be moments of silence, as well as times when participants will be nurtured by beautiful music. The goal is to create an opportunity for all to listen to the still small voice within.

"We will include scripture, prayers, ritual candle lighting, and Communion - all within a spirit of oneness and hospitality," the release stated. "We invite all in our community to come and experience a quiet, meditative service."

First United Methodist and St. Stephen's Episcopal will alternate hosting these services. The inaugural April 14 service will be at First United Methodist, beginning at 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Rev. Jenny Caughman at jcaughman@fumcor.org.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Community Celtic worship service launches April 14 in Oak Ridge