The Contemplative Prayer Chapel

          Enter our Contemplative Prayer Chapel.  Located upstairs in room 210, the chapel is available any time the church building is open. Come whenever you like. Stay as long as you like. The candle sits on the table, and the lighter is on the floor beneath; help yourself to this reminder of the Light which comes into the world, and which the darkness cannot conquer. Wait like Elijah, until God finally speaks. Wrestle like Jacob, until God wounds and blesses. Go like Mary Magdalene, to tell others that you have met the risen Christ. Four intentions govern the life of the Contemplative Prayer Chapel.

Silence
          Baptists are a people who value the preaching and teaching of the word, the singing of Christ’s praises, and the sharing of conversation. The chapel, however, is set aside for the kind of silence which Jesus often sought in solitude (Luke 5:16), the deep quiet from which the Spirit’s specific word emerges. We ask that you come to the chapel in silence, slowing your steps as you enter, keeping movement to a minimum as you linger, and moving softly as you depart.

Simplicity
          The Christian faith has generated some of the most beautiful art and architecture the world has ever known. In the chapel, however, we seek to minimize visual distractions in order to turn the mind and heart inward where Christ dwells (Colossians 3:16). For this reason, the chapel’s appointments are few and simple: a lectern with an open Bible, a plain wooden cross, a single table. The stained glass window and lamp provide sufficient light for reading while inviting the eye to rest.

Tradition 
          Historically, Baptists have sought to let the Word of God guide us, rather than the traditions of the church in any given era. At the same time, we recognize that much wisdom has been honed and polished as custom passed through the hands of the saints across the centuries. For this reason, the chapel responds to the ancient colors of the church year, the simple draperies cycling in rhythm, the purple of Advent giving way to the white of Christmas, and the purple of Lent yielding to the white of Easter, with the green of Ordinary Time connecting these important seasons.

Community
          While contemplation, silence and solitude, are generally viewed as something involving the individual, God also works through the mystery of shared silence. Accordingly, the chapel hosts a contemplative worship time on Tuesday mornings at 7:30. Lasting about twenty minutes, this gathering includes Scripture reading, sharing, a brief meditation, the observance of the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and benediction, all interspersed with periods of purposeful silence. All are invited to attend.