Free & Fit NYC - Visit to the Church of Intercession - Reflection by Tim Cheux
Free & Fit NYC - Visit to the Church of Intercession - Reflection by Tim Cheux
This semester as part of my theological Education I have to visit twelve different Episcopal Churches, I will blog and share my reflections.
On Sunday 16th February 2020 I planned on visiting the Church of the Intercession for the scheduled 9am service for the English speaking Holy Eucharist. I noted on the website that the first 30 minutes was for Godly play and that at 10:30 there would be a Spanish speaking service.
However, upon arrival I found the Church courtyard closed, the Church closed and no service in progress. I was informed that there was only one service happening and that the website was out of date. The eleven clock service was a bi-lingual service and that I could pray in the Chapel. Unfortunately, my reflection is limited as I had to leave the eleven am service forty five minutes into the service. During the time I had before the eleven am service I was very kindly advised, by one of the friendly Church volunteers, about a great coffee shop around the corner called Tazso. The coffee was great, the service efficient and staff friendly and welcoming. I ordered a cappachino, almond croissant and glass of water.
The Church of the Intercession is simply stunning. Surrounded by a Church courtyard with medieval architecture, goblins, stained glass, raised ceilings and various gothic styled classrooms, prayer spaces and fellowships spaces. The congregation is warm, diverse, friendly and welcoming. Some students, young families and youth members were present in the pews with a rich age range and ethnic groups amongst both clergy and choir members. The Church is maybe in need of some repair in its upholstery, but has beautiful and iconic church icons throughout its wonderful grounds.
The service was bilingual with christening, baptism and wonderful spread of food for a post service luncheon. The service was read by various members of the congregation, read by both lay and clergy members and represented both a Spanish and English speaking service. The sermon was preached by the Bishop of New York beautifully in both Spanish and English with real depth, encouragement and the Gospel was clearly preached. A focus on decision making and following Jesus was a constant theme for this powerful bilingual message.
In conclusion of my time at the Intercession, the Church is in a beautiful medieval sanctuary and has a lovely diverse congregation. The clergy and lay leaders are passionate and efficient at serving their congregants and offer wonderful inspiration to both Church family, guests and visitors like myself. In future, my suggestion would be that the Church updates its website, social media and online service times.
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