By Bob Waters

On a day originally set aside to honor Saint Patrick, one of the world’s most well known religious leaders, Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Columbia is holding a Celtic worship service to celebrate his life and his devotion to spreading the word of God throughout Ireland and beyond.

This candlelight service, known as a Celtic Evensong, uses music, readings, poetry, and prayers to provide a quiet, contemplative worship experience. Musically, one can expect to hear a variety of instruments including a Celtic harp, a hammered dulcimer, and an autoharp.

The atmosphere is one of stillness and calm, inviting worshipers to enter a place of rest, meditation, prayer, and reflection.

There will also be an opportunity during the service for anyone to light candle as a tangible way to remember one’s own needs and those of others.

This service is open to people of all faiths, and especially to those who perhaps haven’t been to church for a while. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, you are most cordially invited to St. Andrew’s Celtic Evensong on Sunday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m.