Through quietly spoken words, instrumental music, time for silent reflection, and the sacrament of Holy Communion, St. Peter’s is reviving a Celtic tradition in Midcoast Maine. On Sundays at 5:30 pm, people gather quietly in the sanctuary of the red-shingled church at 11 White Street in Rockland for an hour with the holy that departs from the usual. In our hurried and noisy world, St. Peter’s Celtic Eucharist offers space to enjoy the power of silence and simple, heartfelt prayer.

The Celtic tradition holds that we find God in Christ, in our hearts, in one another, and in all creation. Developed from the ancient Christian liturgies of the coastal islands of Scotland and Ireland, this Anglican-Episcopal tradition resonates with our Maine coastal life, where we honor our connection to the natural world and with one another.

St. Peter’s rector, the Rev. Lael Sorensen, has stripped Christian liturgy to its essence to create a Celtic service that seeks to speak to the spiritual needs of Rockland and the Midcoast.

The short, informal service incorporates Scripture and non-scriptural readings alike. All readings and prayers are chosen for simplicity and tone. Instead of a sermon, the service leader or a participant who has volunteered, delivers a short reflection on his or her experiences of God. The music, largely instrumental, varies from week to week but seeks to underscore the meditative mood of the service. Periods of silence throughout the service allow participants to power down.

The Celtic service offers a rich experience for people from a broad range of religious backgrounds and in Rev. Sorensen’s words, “is designed to meet the seeker with no experience of church.” Attendees are welcome to join in or to sit quietly and let the service simply enfold them. As always, St. Peter’s welcomes the seeker, the doubter, the hopeful, the troubled, and the joyful.

St. Peter’s is situated between the Rockland Public Library, the playground, and the Flanagan Recreation Center. For additional information, visit stpetersrockland.org or call the parish at 207-594-8191 for more information.