Rev. Tom Hathaway, Executive Director
Worship Style - Simple and Connectional
This was by far the most unusual service we attended on our pilgrimage, and where we felt the presence of Jesus like no where else! We learned of Outdoor Church through the pastor of Simple Church. (Another unique worship community we visited). Outdoor Church is an ecumenical Christian church for homeless and street-involved men and women in Cambridge, MA. It is held in two locations, one at the Porter Square T Stop and one at Cambridge Common. We visited the Porter Square service, which is held at 9:00 A.M. every Sunday morning regardless of weather. Being consistent is a "hallmark" of this ministry. Please check out their website to learn more: www.outdoorchurch.org.
Now, this was what is traditionally known as Christmas Sunday, the last Sunday before Christmas. It was very cold and gray, but the community shared by those attending was warm and loving. We were directed by a congregant, as we waited inside the T Stop, as to the location of the service. We went outside and introduced ourselves to a pastor and were welcomed to the service. Gradually, people began to arrive, and then Rev. Hathaway arrived pushing his altar. The congregants were greeting each other and introducing themselves to us. There was a volunteer with a keyboard to provide music. Programs were passed out, and then we began our worship service. Scriptures were read by members of the congregation, and "the most notable difference between Outdoor Church services and most other worship services is that, in place of a sermon, the congregation is invited to share their own responses to the day's scripture reading. All viewpoints are welcome and contribute to a fuller, richer conversation."
After the benediction, we shared in fellowship with the congregation. Sandwiches, socks, and toiletries were handed out. We were encouraged to participate in coffee and donuts. Finally, several of the congregants had come prepared with Christmas presents and they passed them out to everyone. There was so much love being shared, and we were overwhelmed.
Worship Style - Simple and Connectional
This was by far the most unusual service we attended on our pilgrimage, and where we felt the presence of Jesus like no where else! We learned of Outdoor Church through the pastor of Simple Church. (Another unique worship community we visited). Outdoor Church is an ecumenical Christian church for homeless and street-involved men and women in Cambridge, MA. It is held in two locations, one at the Porter Square T Stop and one at Cambridge Common. We visited the Porter Square service, which is held at 9:00 A.M. every Sunday morning regardless of weather. Being consistent is a "hallmark" of this ministry. Please check out their website to learn more: www.outdoorchurch.org.
Now, this was what is traditionally known as Christmas Sunday, the last Sunday before Christmas. It was very cold and gray, but the community shared by those attending was warm and loving. We were directed by a congregant, as we waited inside the T Stop, as to the location of the service. We went outside and introduced ourselves to a pastor and were welcomed to the service. Gradually, people began to arrive, and then Rev. Hathaway arrived pushing his altar. The congregants were greeting each other and introducing themselves to us. There was a volunteer with a keyboard to provide music. Programs were passed out, and then we began our worship service. Scriptures were read by members of the congregation, and "the most notable difference between Outdoor Church services and most other worship services is that, in place of a sermon, the congregation is invited to share their own responses to the day's scripture reading. All viewpoints are welcome and contribute to a fuller, richer conversation."
After the benediction, we shared in fellowship with the congregation. Sandwiches, socks, and toiletries were handed out. We were encouraged to participate in coffee and donuts. Finally, several of the congregants had come prepared with Christmas presents and they passed them out to everyone. There was so much love being shared, and we were overwhelmed.