On Wednesday evening, September 7, 2011, I attended our first Contemplative Interfaith Service led by Reverend Carol Saunders.   Even before the service began, I was struck by the reverence of those entering this sacred place that was created by community members from the church. While candles alight on the altar drew the eye towards the light, it was the symbols representing the world’s faith traditions that led me to believe this was no ordinary church service. A Native American bowl, a Ganesh, a Menorah, a Bible and cross and a Buddha were placed at the altar. These symbols spoke to recognition that we are all One. We are all One in our search for meaning, all One in our desire to understand, all One in our coming together so that our spirits may be fed.

As Rev. Carol guided those present through introductions of each segment, readers shared passages from sacred texts. The tradition of the Native American Medicine Wheel was invoked while music danced in the air. A reading from the Tao Te Ching was followed by one from a Sufi mystic; the Christian reading was followed by a centering prayer from the mystical Christian tradition. Readings from the Hindu tradition were followed by those from the Jewish and Buddhist traditions. Music was performed lovingly by Cheryl Good and the sounds reverberated and resonated throughout the space.

The closing meditation was so beautiful and thought-provoking that when it ended we were all so moved, we couldn’t move. The music hung in the air until the final note. There was silence and we all felt duly blessed.

Thanks to Reverend Carol, to Cheryl Good and to those who served. And, thanks to all who came to join in this special evening. Our next Contemplative Interfaith Services will be held on Wednesdays, October 5, November 2, and December 7  at 7:00pm at the First Church of Christ Scientist, 155 Deerfield Road, Deerfield, IL 60015.