• First Presbyterian Church of Austin (map)
  • 8001 Mesa Dr
  • Austin
  • United States

Contemplative Vespers Service

Friday, January 16 | 7:00 pm
Sanctuary, First Presbyterian Church of Austin | Livestream Available (see below)

Step into a quiet, prayerful space shaped by sacred sound, stillness, and centuries of Christian tradition. First Presbyterian Church of Austin invites you to a Contemplative Vespers Service, an evening worship experience designed for those who find spiritual depth through organ music, chant, and reflective liturgy.

This service offers a gentle pause from the pace of daily life, creating room for listening, prayer, and wonder.

Sacred Music for Reflection

At the heart of this Vespers service is a French Organ Mass by Guillaume-Gabriel Nivers, first published in 1667, performed in its historic liturgical context. Nivers’ music—elegant, meditative, and restrained—invites worshipers into a contemplative rhythm shaped by tone, breath, and silence.

The service also features Gregorian-style chant sung by Stephen Maus, with additional sacred works by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, performed by Chelsee Stith, Cayla Cardiff, and Michael Dixon. Together, these musical offerings create a worship experience rooted in the beauty and prayerfulness of early sacred music traditions.

A Contemplative Presbyterian Worship Experience

Presented within the context of a Presbyterian Vespers service, the evening weaves music, scripture, silence, and prayer into a unified whole. Holy Communion will be celebrated, offering a tangible expression of God’s abiding presence and grace.

Whether you are drawn by the artistry of historic church music, the grounding practice of contemplative worship, or a desire for quiet spiritual renewal, you are warmly welcome.

Who Should Attend

This service may be especially meaningful for:

  • Lovers of organ music, chant, and early sacred repertoire

  • Those seeking quiet, reflective worship

  • Musicians, artists, and contemplatives

  • Anyone longing for a peaceful, prayer-centered evening

No prior familiarity with this style of worship is required—only an openness to listen and wonder.

Plan Your Visit

  • Date: Friday, January 16

  • Time: 7:00 pm

  • Location: Sanctuary, First Presbyterian Church of Austin

  • Service Style: Contemplative Vespers with organ, chant, and communion

Livestream

You can also livestream the service here:

Come rest in sacred sound and stillness, and experience the beauty of contemplative worship at First Presbyterian Church of Austin.