Grace Cathedral in Topeka had a traditional, sparsely attended Fourth of July service for years. And then their new Organist and Choirmaster arrived. A few changes, and now the service draws people from all over the state.
An article in the Capital-Times talks about the difference the changes have made:
“Looking back, he said the service may have been a bit too heavy in Episcopal-style worship for the general populace — folks who wanted to come decked out in red, white and blue clothing and celebrate Independence Day.
So, without removing all religious components, Burk helped transform the service into something that would appeal to a broader audience.
The move has paid off, as people drive from as far away as Emporia and the Kansas City area to attend the annual Fourth of July service, which will next take place at 10 a.m. Monday at the cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th.
A crowd of about 800 people is expected to pack the cathedral for the service, which is followed by an ice cream social in the rose garden just west of the Great Hall.”
Does your congregation do anything special for the 4th of July? Would you be willing to make changes to make the service more accessible?