Middlebury Church To Offer Rhythms Of Grace

MIDDLEBURY — St George’s Episcopal Church is preparing to unveil a new program, Rhythms of Grace, which is open to all members of the community. It will debut on Saturday, September 17, at 4 pm.

Combining education for children and worship for the entire family, Rhythms of Grace is designed as a creative church experience for those who do not feel comfortable in a traditional worship setting. It is especially intended for children with special needs and their families.

Designed by the Reverend Audrey Scanlon, an Episcopal priest with the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, Rhythms of Grace is being offered by several Episcopal churches in Connecticut. The program began so that parents could have a place to worship with their children without worrying about verbal disruptions, distracting movements or gestures.

Using art, puppetry, music, and story-telling, it offers a hands-on approach to learning for children who might be bored or anxious in a formal church setting. It includes a simple worship celebration in a relaxed and inviting environment. It is offered for families of all faith traditions.

The program has been in the planning stages at St George’s Church for nine months and will be facilitated by a committee of parishioners, many of whom are trained as special education teachers, music therapists, and art teachers who work with children with special needs.

The worship part of the service will be led by the Reverend Dr Bill Hardwick, vicar of St George’s Church.

“The impetus for the program developed out of our experience of having children with special needs in the congregation,” he said. “The membership has come to cherish them as valuable parishioners, and we want to extend our hospitality to others in the local community who might be looking for a place to worship that has a relaxed and accepting atmosphere.”

The parish is hoping to offer Rhythms of Grace once monthly, on Saturday afternoons. The program has been described by organizers as “a place to dance, draw, wiggle and rest in God.”

St George’s Episcopal Church is at the corner of Route 188 and Tucker Hill Road. For more information call 203-758-9864.