NAHANT — There’s a new minister in town and she’s introducing different ways to pray.
Rev. Megan Snell joined the Nahant Village Church in April. Now, she’s encouraging residents to gather outside at different places across town for 20- to 30-minute worship services.
“These serve as a chance for people to enjoy the natural beauty of Nahant and center themselves in gratitude and grace at the start of the week,” said Snell, who has a Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School.
Each Sunday morning service includes music, prayer and meditation.
The Nahant Village Church, which prides itself on being open and affirming, still holds worship services year-round on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Sunday sermons can be heard in podcast format or on Facebook.
The first outdoor worship program was on July 7 at the Town Wharf. This Sunday, July 21, it will be at the Sears’ Pavilion at Bailey’s Hill. On Aug. 11 the service will be at Veteran’s Park, which is located at Castle and Nahant roads.
Snell will return to the Town Wharf for the final outdoor worship service Aug. 25.
Each begins at 9:30 a.m.
The outdoor worship services are meant to be informal, people are welcome to bring their children or dogs, and wear flip flops or jeans, said Snell.
“It’s a come-as-you-are style of service, where people are invited to bring their dogs and their cups of coffee,” said Snell.
Snell, who has participated in United Church of Christ churches across the country, began her ministry in Nahant during Holy Week, leading Maundy Thursday service on April 18 and Easter Morning worship. By May, the California native held the blessing of the animals at the Wharf. She offers prayer walks around town, prayer services in the chapel and prayer through Facebook live on Mondays at 11:30 a.m.
