About Hidden Brook

Hidden Brook is a contemplative service using prayer, scripture, Taize music, other music, poetry, readings and silence. We meet via Zoom at 6pm on the first Tuesday of each month. We also meet in-person at the church at 6pm on the third Tuesday of each month, with Zoom participation available.

For an invitation to the Zoom Hidden Brook service, contact Steve Steadman at sgsteadman@gmail.com.

This Week at Hidden Brook

We now celebrate Hidden Brook on the first Tuesday of each month via Zoom, and on the third Tuesday of the month in-person with Zoom access. Our next Hidden Brook service will be held via Zoom on May 5. Our theme will be Firsts. In the Bible we will consider original sin, the first murder and the first person to encounter the risen Christ. In the secular world we will learn about firsts that occurred on May 5 including the first publication of a poem by John Keats (May 5, 1816), the first perfect game in baseball (May 5, 1904) and the first patent obtained by a black woman (May 5, 1868). The spring/summer Hidden Brook schedule follows. Contact Jim Donna jdonna7403@aol.com if you would like to lead any of the services for which a volunteer is needed.

May 5           Jim Donna             Zoom

May 19         Volunteer needed   In-person

June 2          Connie Holmes    Zoom

June 16        Volunteer needed   In-person

July 7 Volunteer needed Zoom

Keep meditating! Keep praying!

Words ABOUT SILENCE

Three silences there are: the first of speech,

The second of desire, the third of thought.

                        Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, in “The Three Silences of Molinos,” in Anne D. LeClaire,     Listening Below the Noise: The Transformative Power of Silence

Why Hidden Brook?

Our name "The Hidden Brook" resonates on several levels, both historic and spiritual. Literally, it describes the underground stream that runs down Russell Avenue and irrigated the celery farms that were on this land before the church was built. It was also the name of Good Shepherd's first nursery school. And now, for CGS's Tuesday night community in the 21st century, it evokes the spiritual hidden brooks in all our lives -- sources of peace and refreshment that we can touch more deeply by spending time on our inner journeys -- individually, yet still together.

What is TAIZÉ?

Taizé services are characterized by quiet and candlelight, the repetition of melodious chants sung many times in many languages, a period of silence, and contemplative prayer. Let the songs sing themselves in you. Once you catch the tune, let yourself find the words -- in your heart or as you listen to your brothers and  sisters as they sing. Let your spirit move along  the path provided by rhythmic repetition, deeper and deeper into the stillness  and beauty of God's presence.

AT ANY TIME DURING AN IN-PERSON HIDDEN BROOK SERVICE, FEEL FREE TO

  • Light a candle,

  • hold an object from the altar,

  • or move to any part of the church you prefer.