Last week, My parish (St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Los Altos) had the joy of hosting a group of students from St. Andrew’s at Chester/Lake Almanor. Father Foos and I were just reminiscing that we’ve now have been hosting students here for five years as they travel through to Southern California and beyond. Fr. Brian and his students sang Evensong for us. After the service, we gathered for a relaxed evening of fellowship. We shared pizza from Pizza My Heart, enjoying good food and even better conversation. As the night deepened, the group moved to the firepit, where we continued the camaraderie with cigars and Macallan. Although I confess that I didn’t partake in either smoke or drink.
About St. Andrew’s:
“St. Andrew’s is an Anglican community in the beautiful mountain region of Lake Almanor, California. Father Brian Foos is the vicar of St. Andrew’s Church and, together with his wife Kathleen and a dedicated team, they provide a classic education for grammar school through college age youth, and run a store filled with homemade goods.”
The Beauty of Evensong
Evensong, or Evening Prayer, is one of the most beloved services in the Anglican tradition.
- Choral Music: Their choir led the congregation in singing traditional hymns and anthems, including Phos Hilaron (O Gracious Light) and the Magnificat.
- Scripture Readings: Passages from the Old and New Testaments were read aloud, reminding us of God’s promises and faithfulness.
- Prayers of Intercession: We lifted up prayers for the students, their schools, and the broader community, asking for God’s guidance and blessing.
I always enjoy when Father visits and I get to break out the incense and invite out non-Anglican families from Canterbury School to experience the beauty of Anglican chant. For Anglicans and Episcopalians, the 1928 Book of Common Prayer remains a cherished resource for worship and devotion.
My Guide to Evensong from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Have you ever been curious about how to pray from the Book of Common Prayer?
A few years ago, I recorded a step by step guide on how to use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer to pray the Daily Office of Evening Prayer. You can watch it here:
Ready to experience the transformative power of Evening Prayer? Get your copy of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and start praying the Daily Office today. Whether you’re praying alone or with others, this practice will deepen your faith and draw you closer to Christ.
Buy a 1928 Book of Common Prayer: https://amzn.to/41vJwo1 (Amazon Link)
In this video I mention using the Collect for the “21st Sunday After Trinity” (pg. 218) in the place of the Declaration of Absolution:
“GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace: that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN”
Leave a ReplyCancel reply