A Taste of Anglican Life in Silicon Valley
We began our latest Evensong evening at 6:00 PM with taco night around the Rectory. Laughter and conversation filled the room as newcomers and longtime members alike enjoyed a delicious dinner together. Afterwards, Mrs. Chau and Mr. De Villiers served ice cream, reminding us that Christian fellowship starts around the table.
If you’re searching for a local Anglican church in Los Altos, Mountain View, or Silicon Valley, you’re warmly invited to join us for a unique rhythm of worship and fellowship at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
Singing the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in Community
Next, we moved to the piano for a time of choral practice, learning to chant the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis—two core canticles from the Book of Common Prayer. Led by Mrs. Macias, participants of all skill levels joined in, singing in parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) and learning the beauty of Anglican music and chant. We are so excited about our growing choir and welcome new members!
Here’s a video of formal “choral” Evensong. This service follows the traditional pattern in The Book of Common Prayer (1928) and consists of choral music (psalms, canticles, and anthems) from the rich Anglican musical tradition, scripture readings, and prayers. Since the late middle ages “evensong” has been the popular name for vespers (from the Latin vesperis, “evening”), the Evening Office of the western church. Cranmer used it in the 1549 BCP. Although in 1552 he replaced it with “Evening Prayer,” the common name remains “evensong.” In many Anglican cathedrals and other large churches, especially in England, evensong is sung by clergy and choir as a choral liturgy.
These ancient songs of Scripture, sung by Christians for centuries, are central to our tradition of Evening Prayer—also known as Evensong.
A Short Reflection from the Book of Judges
Following prayer requests and liturgy, Father Steve offered a brief teaching from Judges 13, exploring the meaning of Samson’s Nazarite vow. He discussed the biblical symbolism behind Samson avoiding wine, not cutting one’s hair, and staying away from the dead—signs of being set apart for God’s holy purposes. This teaching connected the Old Testament story to our own call to holiness in everyday life and the story of Christ.
Looking for an Anglican Church in Silicon Valley?
Whether you’re new to Anglicanism or have been part of the tradition for years, St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Los Altos is a place to grow, sing, and worship in community. We are a vibrant parish rooted in the historic Christian faith and committed to reverent liturgy, joyful fellowship, and biblical teaching.
Join Us for the Next Rectory Evensong:
📅 Wednesday, July 24
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 The Rectory, Los Altos
Even if you’ve never chanted before—come. There’s room for you at the table, and in the circle of prayer.
