http://larknews.com/september_2007/secondary.php?page=5
[Lark News] 19 Oct 2007--When a new Antiochian Orthodox church opened up and drew families from several evangelical churches, it created a minor buzz around town.
At the Evangelical Free church, it also created another service.
"I’ve been caught off guard by other shifts in church trends," says EV Free pastor Brian Fitzgerald, 44. "Not this time."
In a defensive maneuver, his church soon added an Orthodox-style service to cater to people who want more ritual and a feeling of connection to historical tradition.
"It’s the same sermon, same worship songs in many cases, just done in a more liturgical style," Fitzgerald says. "I don’t mind changing the packaging for people. It freshens it up for them and for me."
The new "Liturgical Service," as they call it, has become the most popular service even among young people. After the "standard" evangelical service at 9:30 a.m., workers decorate the platform with candles, non-specific iconography and other religious-looking items. Fitzgerald wears generic vestments and adopts a more somber manner. He reads from a liturgical book and the congregation responds by reading words on the screens.
"I like the reverence and the mood," says one girl, 16. "It feels more spiritual."
"I like the candles," her friend chimes in.
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