Celtic Christian Spirituality

Recent years have witnessed a reclamation of an alternative way of understanding Christianity. Called "Celtic Christian Spirituality," it refers to a tradition that flourished in regions that never came under the umbrella of Mediterranean-style Christianity. The Celts (most pronounce it "Kelts", rather than "Selts") once thrived throughout many parts of Europe. But they retreated in front of the advancing Roman legions.
When Celtic people were led into Christianity, they shaped it according to their own customs, which included several practices and beliefs that were a challenge to Mediterranean-style Christianity: They believed that God was very present in nature. In fact, they knew of some "thin" places -- forest groves and shorelines, for instance -- where the Spirit of God was very close at hand.
The Celtic Christians believed in the equality of men and women, so that when there was a monastic community, both men and women might live there, and either gender might become the leader. Their warriors included both men and women.
The Celtic people also valued times of silence in their spiritual journey. Individuals might find an isolated place and spend time in contemplative prayer or reflection.
Named a heretic by Mediterranean Christendom in the early fifth century, a Celt named Pelagius taught that when one observed a newborn child, one beheld the face of God. At the same time, Augustine, one of the prime shapers of Mediterranean Christianity, taught that even the newborn child was tainted by sin.
Pelagius taught that humanity was basically a reflection of the goodness of God, and that sin was primarily a result of humans forgetting that connection with God. Augustine taught that humans were born into a sinful nature.
Augustine eventually won the battle in Rome, and Pelagius was condemned as a heretic.
Today, interest in the Celtic Christian tradition has renewed as research has provided a greater understanding. For those engaged in a spiritual path that typically bypasses the organized church, the way of the Celts offers a fruitful journey.
Many churches offer what is called a "Celtic" worship opportunity, including a more relaxed gathering marked by music, prayers, candlelight, symbols from nature, and a more conversational time instead of a formal sermon.
We are wondering if people in Western Massachusetts would be receptive to trying this kind of worship. We're just in the thinking stage right now, but we hope to mix this with other styles of worship into a new Service. MAYBE on Thursdays. MAYBE at 6. What do you think?