Judson observes many traditional dates of the liturgical calendar and a few unique ones, and all of our services celebrate a blend of old and new, where reverent and irreverent moments share the same sacred space, and openness and experimentation are key.
AGAPE
The first Sunday of every month is Agape. (äˈɡä pā) At Judson, all believers and non-believers and maybe-believers are welcome to the simple feast. No one need participate. Agape is the meal's title and only "rule." Here we eat together, in memory and in hope. We eat during the singing and praying, as we desire. We drink either wine or juice, both of which are on the table. We recite the words that Jesus is believed to have said, reminding us to remember him. Jesus practiced radical table hospitality, and so do we. The elements of bread and wine are brought by the people, but whether you brought or not, please join the table with joy. Agape means there is plenty for all.
WORLD AIDS DAY
Our community has responded to the continuing AIDS crisis since its earliest days. Ever December 1st, we remember those we've lost and ritualize our commitment to celebrating those still among us and to finding a cure for all.
ADVENT
Advent is a particularly gorgeous time to be around Judson. On the four Sundays leading up to Christmas we welcome the season with lively decor and affirming rituals that help slow down the relentless pace of holiday life in New York City. There's lots of activity to check in on between services as well. In addition to our own programming, our partner, The West Village Chorale, hosts an annual Messiah sing and caroling walks around the neighborhood.
STONE SOUP
Our annual Stone Soup celebration occurs on the Sunday before Christmas and the entire congregation gets in on the fun. It starts with a stone in a pot and what happens next depends on the extra ingredients you and every one else brings.
CHRISTMAS EVE
On Christmas Eve, our service is all for the children, as we gather in the afternoon and recall the legend of Jesus' birth and the kooky characters and events that surrounded the momentous occasion.
LENT
TEMPTED IN THE DESERT BY THE D.
Our Ash Wednesday ritual begins our Lenten season of remembrance and repentance.
Our Maundy Thursday service recalls the table fellowship Jesus and his disciples shared the night he was taken into Empire custody.
Our Good Friday service quietly reflects on this bleak day, remembering the pain and tragedy that is a part of our Christian tradition.
PALM SUNDAY
Palm Sunday at Judson is a reminder that, before Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, he led some pretty passionate activism. We get our palms messy and remember the action we're called to embody in the world.
EASTER
Like many churches, Easter is one of our most attended services of the year. It's an important occasion in our personal and community practice and an opportunity to share our authentic expansive christian practice with guests and visitors. It can get a little interesting, and yes we do need the eggs.
PRIDE SUNDAY
Every last Sunday in June, Judson celebrates LGBTQ Pride. It's an important and longstanding liturgical event for us and involves even more glitter than usual.
KIDS DAY
Every first Sunday in June, the service belongs to the youngest among us, and, led by Grand Poobah Andy (who always gives a sensational sermon), they bring more fun and smarts than any one service should be able to contain.