BRUNSWICK — Sometimes it is the ancient practices of the Christian faith which touch the lives of modern people. Beginning Feb. 22, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be offering “Risky Journeys: Celtic Evening Prayer Inspired by Brendan the Navigator (c. 486-575).”

St. Brendan the Navigator is one of the best loved of all the Celtic saints. The stories of his sea journeys have been told and retold for countless generations leading Christians to think deeply about their faith and life.

“One of the delights of reading the accounts of Brendan’s voyages is the ambiguity that exists in deciding which of the journeys was an actual sailing adventure, and which was a vision. His adventures, both actual and spiritual, lead us to ponder the nature of our walk with Christ,” said the Rev. Rebecca Wegner, pastor of Good Shepherd. “The sea faring narratives of St. Brendan resonate with those of us who live in coastal Maine, as does the Celtic emphasis on all of creation’s salvation.”

Why a “Celtic Evening Prayer” service? According to Wegner, Western Christianity owes much to the lives, witness and work of those early Christian missionaries in Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Britain. The communities they formed preserved the Christian faith during a time when pagan invaders threatened to destroy all traces of Christianity in Europe and the British Isles.

The tireless missionary work of these Celtic men and women helped to convert the invaders. Their courage and faithfulness in dark days continues to inspire us and teach us as we face our own modern darkness.

The services are quiet and contemplative, relying upon the Celtic harp, flutes and the hammered dulcimer for music. The worship space is rearranged to promote a sensory experience that is quite different than the typical Sunday morning worship.

“Our hope is that this service will be an open door, welcoming all people: Those who share our faith, those who are uncertain about belief in God and Christ, and those who may have been wounded or excluded by Christians,” Wegner said. “This is our time for hope and healing where all are invited to be who we are, to use the gifts that we have received, and to do something that matters to God.”

The services will be offered every Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. from Feb. 22 through March 29. Holy Communion will be offered at each service.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is located at 330 Maine St. in Brunswick. Ample parking is in the lot behind the church. For more information, contact the church office at 725-6561 or by email at revrebeccawegner@gmail.com.