Worship is a vital part of community life. The Worship and Ministry
Team supervises worship activities including daily chapel services and special events.
This team includes the chaplain, the chaplain's assistants and the professor of Church Music.
Worship services, generally conducted in the Reformed tradition, are held four times a
week during the academic year, daily during the summer term, and for special observances.
Daily services begin at noon and rotate between Stewart Memorial Chapel in Geneva
Hall and Montgomery Chapel. The Monday service is a traditional Presbyterian worship service,
Tuesday is a contemplative prayer service, Thursday is a praise service, and Friday is
a communion service with students, faculty, staff, and invited guests preaching and leading
the half-hour worship services.
After chapel, the community is invited to meet for a brief time of fellowship and refreshments
before heading to class or back to work.
Special Services
Throughout the academic year, several special worship services are conducted by the Worship and Ministry Team.
Annual Service of Lessons & Carols
The largest special service on the San Anselmo campus is the Annual Service of Lessons & Carols
held on the first weekend of Advent. Begun in December of 1975 by Dr's. David Esler and
Wil Russell, the service follows the pattern and liturgy of the Festival as presented in
King's College Chapel, Cambridge, England. Over the years, the liturgy has been modified
to include some contemporary musical compositions. However, the basic format of the service
has remained unchanged from its rich original mix of selected scripture lessons, Advent
hymns, and Christmas carols.
Integral to the service is the involvement and support of the San Anselmo community. Community
leaders, business people, and friends of the Seminary are invited to participate in the
service and many community members attend on an annual basis.
Baccalaureate Service
An integral part of the annual commencement exercises is the baccalaureate service held
the evening prior to commencement. This service is traditionally written, organized and
produced by graduating seniors and is a time that brings together family, friends, faculty,
staff and students. The Commencement Service is held on Saturday morning amid the redwoods at Bouick Field.
Other Special Services
Monday and Friday chapel services often feature guest preachers with community lunch afterward. Other special events include the annual
Faith & the Common Good and T.V. Moore lectures now held in conjunction with Alumni Reunion Weekend in the spring.