Liturgy

Our liturgy is very simple with a mixture of tradition and modern, formal and casual. The first Swedenborgian ministers were first ordained in the Church of England before becoming Swedenborgian ministers so our liturgy or order of service has a similar structure. (see “Order of Service” tab) The minister often wears a robe and stole, but not always.

In the liturgy, there is the image of the divine effigy or body of Christ: There is first a gathering together of the whole body for singing our first “Hymn-Song” and greeting of externals (“Welcome, Greeting our Neighbor & Announcements,”) Next, we enter more deeply into worship as we turn toward interior places (The “Nunc Licet” which includes “Lighting of the Candles” &” Opening of the Word.”) We say our “Prayers of the People” (heart) with intention as we ask for healing; listen to the minister’s closing prayer, and recite together the Lord’s Prayer as it is most familiar to each individual.

Afterwards we read a short portion of the Word (mind.) Our “First Lesson” & “Second Lesson” are readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and the Gospels are followed by “Special Music” by our pianist Jim Tompkins-MacLaine or we enjoy an offering from the community. There is a mix of new and old hymns , contemporary, and popular music. Special MUsic is followed by the “Now” Testament reading from the theological Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, also following which might be a brief quote or excerpt from Literature, Poetry, or Speech, Movie, or Song.

At the beginning of the spiritual message, the minister usually delivers a “Show & Tell” portion for children who are present or the child in each of us. Swedenborg was a scientist, and a mystic, who used a language of correspondences and the natural world to demonstrate the unity of life and divine principles functioning on all levels. This is an important part of our service in a world full of isolation, compartmentalization and fragmentation. On other occasions, we might just as easily employ drama or a speaker offering something of importance from their line of work. After the message, we try to put it soulfully together on every level as we engage in reflection and dialogue, making religion our own, and find our practical uses (arms & legs) for these new lessons.

When we have an guest speakers give the spiritual message, our minister might take this time to relate the message to touchstones within the Swedenborgian perspective. The Angel Assembly with “talk-back” time is one of the favorite parts of worship for the congregation. This is where they get to make everything they heard their own. Spiritual Freedom is key. You do not have to speak or contribute but you are certainly welcomed to do so.