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

On Tuesday November 4 at 6 pm we will celebrate Hidden Brook via Zoom. Our themes will be ‘Contemplation, Inspiration and Engagement.’ We will begin by reading prayers from Compline or Night Prayer followed by a monastic recording of the traditional Hymn to Mary, the Salve Regina adding our own prayers and petitions to God.

Via slide show we will take a meditative walk by water including scenes from Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Spy Pond, Duxbury Beach and Keuka Lake after which we will share 10 minutes of silent meditation. 

In Part Two, ‘Inspiration through Reading and Listening,’ we will enjoy 3 short poems from Mary Oliver’s book, Devotion. 

To complete our program we will consider ways of ‘Engagement and Hope’ especially the courage and hope of young people in our lives. If you would like an invitation to the Zoom meeting, contact Steve Steadman sgsteadman@gmail.com.

Keep meditating! Keep praying!

Words ABOUT SILENCE

In the silence of the heart, God speaks. 

- Mother Teresa

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.