We’re back in the sanctuary for worship – Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church

Woman standing at a lectern — Rev. Helen Smith at the lectern

This past Sunday, August 16, 2020 , marked our return to the sanctuary for worship for the first time since March. There was a message from Rev. Helen Smith, a scripture reading from Duty Elder Bonnie Horton, music from Music Director Rachelle Risling and Brooks Gorst, and fellowship.

Woman at at organ next to man at a grand piano playing a duet in a church at a service — Rachelle Risling and Brooks Gorst playing a duet

Naturally there were lots of virtual hugs.

Woman with outstretched arms standing at a lectern in a church, with people in the pews in the congregation standing and responding with outstretched arms miming hugs — Duty Elder Bonnie Horton leading mimed congregational hugs

People in pews standing at a church service with outstretched arms miming hugs — Duty Elder Bonnie Horton leading mimed congregational hugs

Thanks to Clerk of Session Bruce Morrison and Rachelle for taking a few pictures for us to share!

Did I mention the virtual hugs?

And if you’d like to listen to some of the music that was played, here is Rachelle on the piano with an arrangement of “This Is My Father’s World”.

Meditation of “This Is My Father’s World” performed on the piano in the sanctuary of GCPC during the live worship service of August 16, 2020, by Rachelle Risling, Music Director of GCPC.

“This is My Father’s World”. Text (1901) by American Presbyterian minister Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858–1901). Set to music (tune: “Terra Beata”) in 1915 by American Presbyterian hymn-writer Franklin L. Sheppard (1852–1930), based on a traditional English melody

If you didn’t get a chance to attend, or did not feel comfortable doing so, you can consult the virtual worship service for August 16, 2020.