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About Informal Family Service
Timing
We recommend aiming to be parking around 10:10 am, giving you 5 minutes to walk from your car to the undercroft where, at 10:15, we begin with 10 minutes of music. At 10:25 there is a welcome and opening prayer. Then there is an interactive talk involving readings from the Bible and the teachings of the New Church for about half an hour. At about 10:55 the children will be invited to go up to the Ezekiel Tower for some refreshments. Then there will be about 10 minutes of discussion of the service with the adults (and any children that choose to stay for it). Following that the service will close and there will be time for refreshments and fellowship in the undercroft.
Location
As of January 2024, the Informal Family Service happens in the Bryn Athyn Cathedral undercroft. The undercroft is at the south end of the cathedral, on the lower level (below the Council Chamber). The entrance is through the door in the archway under the Ezekiel Tower.
Exterior View of the Undercroft (click the image to view a larger version)
Interior View of the Undercroft (click the image to view a larger version)
Parking
Parking Options for Undercroft (click the image to view a larger version)
The best place to park is on Quarry Road below the cathedral and walk up from there. (The green route on the map.) You are only allowed to park across the road from the cathedral, perpendicular to the road. And you are only allowed to park here on Sunday morning.
The next best place to park is in the upper lot between the cathedral and Cairnwood Estate. Then cross the road and walk around the east side of the cathedral. (The yellow route on the map.) The entrance to this lot is opposite the main entrance to the cathedral.
You can also park in the main lower lot and then walk around the west side of the building. The downside to this choice is that there may be less spots available because of people parking there to attend other services. (The purple route on the map.)
If you need handicapped parking, you can use the driveway off of Alnwick Road and drive right up next to the undercroft and then walk in through the big wooden doors at the end of the room. (The teal route on the map.)
Music
This service features Contemporary Christian music led by a varying team of musicians often including guitar, piano, and bass. On a given Sunday, most or all of the music is sing-along. Get in touch with Graham Bier (graham.bier@brynathynchurch.org) if you'd like to get involved.
