Unplugged...at St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, San Francisco -
Hear from our congregation
A 5:30 PM Sunday service, Unplugged affirms a Christian faith rooted in the Episcopal tradition that is open to other religious and spiritual faith traditions. All persons are welcome, where ever they are on their journey of faith.
The Unplugged service welcomes families, couples, and individuals. This service is called Unplugged because it provides participants the welcome opportunity to "unplug" both literally (with acoustic music) and figuratively from their busy lives and responsibilities, and to focus on their spiritual lives and blessings. Designed to be thought-provoking, challenging, and meditative, it is also informal, spontaneous, and funny.
The Sunday night service is a close collaboration between the priest, The Rev. Jennifer Hornbeck, the congregation, and Unplugged music, by Wendy Loomis, and creation time staff members. Interactive Gospel readings, Holy Communion, an annual Christmas Pageant, and education are done with significant contributions from congregation members.
The Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion are adapted and simplified. Readings are taken from the Old Testament, the appointed gospel and related works. Spiritual texts from other traditions and contemporary writers are desirable. During Communion, the community gathers in a circle around the altar. Alternative or original Eucharistic prayers are used. New music is welcome in addition to well-known hymns and/or folk songs.
We value ecumenical and interfaith worship, a good sense of humor, ease with spontaneity, intellectual challenges, and fluidity with children in the service. We gladly welcome visitors! Members of the community are encouraged to get involved, by joining the set-up/clean-up team, liturgy design and development, preparing the prayers, creating interactive readings, or by taking part in the steering committee.
The third Sunday of the month is a potluck evening, alternating wine and cheese and full meals. Please join us!
