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Jazz Mass

Every Sunday evening at 5:00 pm, as students and faculty across the campus  prepare for the academic week ahead, Canterbury House prepares for the spiritual  week ahead. During the "Jazz Mass", the congregation worships in ways that  are both cutting-edge and deeply reverent. Drawing from the Book of Common  Prayer, the New Zealand Prayer Book, and many other sources, including stories,  and readings from other traditions, The Rev. Matthew Lawrence presides over  the service.

In addition to readings and discussions, music for the service is led by Stephen Rush and his jazz-gospel-blues-new-music group, Quartex. Quartex's music begs for close listening and aids the congregation's spiritual attentiveness. Composers recently featured by Quartex include Ornette Coleman, Rhashan Roland Kirk, and Lester Bowie. In addition, the congregation participates in the chants from the Taize community in France, and in several silent meditations.

Holy Communion is conducted according to the inclusive-language liturgies of the Episcopal Church. After sharing in an intense service, the congregation is invited to a supper prepared by several volunteers each week. Supper provides an opportunity for congregants to share their experiences with one another and make plans for the up-coming week.