Today I have the honor of sharing our family’s journey toward observing the church calendar over at The Mudroom. We’re not strictly liturgical but we have found a spiritual rhythm around feasting. Head over to the Mudroom to read the whole article, but here’s an excerpt:
When I left the Evangelical church for an Anglican one in college, it was out of proximity rather than theology. I had decided to attend university in France and there were very few English-speaking churches in Paris. As a freshman in college living abroad, I sought the ease of a community that spoke my native language.
While I started attending solely for community, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the rituals and rhythms the Church of England offered. I grew to love passing the peace and weekly communion—taken as a community, not just in my seat. I loved the thoughtful anticipation of Advent, the Galette des Rois for Epiphany, pancakes (or crêpes) for Shrove Tuesday, and the practice Lent leading to Easter. The weekly unchanging liturgy offered comfort in a season of culture shock.
When I moved back to Colorado after those four years abroad, I looked to recreate that magical experience. But something was missing. While I found liturgy at Episcopalian and Catholic services, I had trouble connecting with community. When I would try an Evangelical church, it was easier to connect with community but I missed the liturgy.
As I continued my search, I wondered if I had connected with the actual Liturgical Church or simply a particular community at a particular season that happened to follow the church calendar.
It took some years before I found an Evangelical church that also was interested in liturgy. Read the rest over at the Mudroom!
Do you observe the church calendar? How have you found a spiritual rhythm?
Annie Rim 
“The weekly unchanging liturgy offered comfort during a time of culture shock.” Love that. I was raised Catholic and still turn to praying the rosary during really tough times; the beads are something I can literally hold onto and the repetition of meaningful prayer usually brings me peace. Ritual or routine mixed with love and crepes, quiet the blessing 🙂
Yes, when it brings peace in the midst of chaos, it’s just so beautiful to have those rituals to remember. We were eating passover with our neighbors last night and reminded of how food during hard times is survival.
I love seeing my friends over at The Mudroom. I sent them a possible piece for guest posting…time will tell! Liturgy is one of the things I love about the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America).
I can’t wait to read your words there! 🙂 Bea’s preschool is Lutheran and I love that she gets that foundation!