On the 4th Sunday of the month at 5:00pm, we host a ‘Choral Evensong’ service.
EVENSONG… AN HOUR OUT OF TIME
I see posters advertising Evensong, but what is it exactly? Evensong is a simple, peaceful worship service held in the late afternoon or early evening. It is a gentle time of mindfulness and reflection that helps people let go of the day’s stress and turn trustfully toward the night.
Where does it come from? For nearly 2000 years, Christian communities have gathered for prayer at the end of the day. Evensong is the Anglican expression of this tradition. Composed in 1549, when the Church of England was founded, it has been loved ever since for its beauty, simplicity and depth.
How long does it last? Evensong normally lasts a little under an hour.
What happens? Do I have to sing, or read, or say prayers? Evensong is made up of prayers, Bible readings, and music. The people leading the service will say the prayers and read from the Bible, and the choir will sing the music. You can follow the service in the prayer book (you will be told what page) and sing the hymns (again, you will be told where to find the words in the hymn book), but if you prefer to just listen, that’s fine too. Not having to ‘do’ anything gives you the mental space to quiet down, to be mindful of the present moment, to listen inwardly, to be peaceful.
I’m not an Anglican, does that matter? Not at all. You are warmly invited to come to Evensong, whatever your background. This is an unconditional welcome.
I’m not really religious. Why would I go to Evensong? People attend Evensong for all kinds of reasons. Many, of course, come explicitly to feel the presence of God and to pray in the Anglican tradition; but others come because something in the beauty of the words and music speaks to them; and still others come simply to experience the atmosphere of peace and trust.
I might give it a try. Where can I attend an Evensong? Evensong is sung on the 4th Sunday of every month at 5 pm. in the English and American Episcopal Church of St. John & St. Philip, Ary van der Spuyweg 1, 2585 JA The Hague, near the Peace Palace. Directions can be found at the bottom of this page. Experience Evensong…take an hour out of time…
You can stay up-to-date with the Choral Evensong services via Facebook