Church Unwalled
Mission
A community life centered on the Eucharist.
Equal hospitality to all guests.
An altar where the broken become the Body of Christ.
Church Beyond the Walls (CBW) is a street-church community called to build solidarity among people from all walks of life –housed and unhoused, poor and privileged, churched and unchurched. We are a specialized mission of the Episcopal Diocese of RI in partnership with the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
With its roots in the Occupy movement, CBW has been, from its start, not a charity but a worshiping group of people that seeks to build Christian community where physical and spiritual hungers are fed on the street. Our diversity encourages us to foster a culture of equality that transcends differences. Every week, no matter the weather, we head to Burnside Park seeking Christ in all those we encounter and reflecting Christ to all we encounter.
Fun Facts
35
ATTENDANCE ON THE WORST WINTER DAYS
1200
Socks Distributed Every Year
225
Beverages Served Every Saturday
3380
SERVED AT HOSPITALITY TIME EVERY YEAR
Leadership
The Rev. Linda Forsberg is the Missioner of Church Beyond the Walls and celebrates the Eucharist in Burnside Park in Providence. She teaches world religions full-time at Salve Regina University in Newport, and lives in Newport with her husband, Ted. “What I love about Church Beyond the Walls is that all people are truly welcome. For me CBW gives us a glimpse of what the reign of God – the kingdom of heaven – is like. We are one body in Christ in the sacramental meal, but also see Christ’s face in one another as we share our meal of sandwiches, soup, coffee, and our stories and conversation afterwards.” “For fun I love to travel and explore the great outdoors with my husband, and play with my grandchildren!”
The Rev. Hartwell is Associate Rector at Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, RI.
Pastor Santiago is the pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Providence, he is also the Missioner at La Iglesia de la Ascension/Church of the Ascension in Cranston.
Orville Forbes is the Hospitality Coordinator at Church Beyond the Walls. He works with our partners like We Share Hope and volunteers to make sure that our hospitality hour happens.
Sarge, a Vietnam veteran from the 82nd Airborne, is a long-time member of CBW. He was there the first time the Little Red Wagon went down to Burnside Park. He provides transport, security, and is a member of the Bishop's Committee.
Pasquale is the Music Leader and longtime member at Church Beyond the Walls.
Ministry Partners
Church Beyond the Walls would like to thank the following organizations for their support of our mission and ministry.
All Saints’ Memorial, Providence
Brown University Christian Fellowship
Center for Reconciliation, Rhode Island
Church of the Epiphany, Rumford
Church of the Good Shepherd, Pawtucket
Church of the Redeemer, Providence
Congregational Development Commission
Ecclesia Ministries
Emmanuel Lutheran, West Warwick
VIDEO STORY
This 5-minute video captures the heart of what Church Beyond the Walls is all about.
Worship
Worship begins at 2 p.m. every Saturday
at Burnside Park in Providence.
OUTDOORS
Church Beyond the Walls’ worship services are held outdoors in all seasons and all weather. In taking the church outdoors we reflect the love of a God who reaches out to us through Christ and meets us exactly where we’re at.
Eucharistic
Church Beyond the Walls is a community that gathers around the Eucharist. The altar is where we bring our brokenness and become the Body of Christ. All who wish to know and love Christ are welcome to receive.
Inclusive
No matter your age, ethnicity, native language, orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, or country of origin, you are welcome here.
First time visiting Church Beyond the Walls?
Visitors
Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey:
you are welcome here!
Where do you worship?
We worship outside at Burnside Park every Saturday – no matter the weather. If it rains, we wear rain gear and have umbrellas. If it snows, we dress warmly, use hand and foot warmers and huddle together. If it’s sunny and 75°, we rejoice!
What denomination is church beyond the walls?
Our priests are Episcopalian and Lutheran but we strive to be an ecumenical church. We invite all to God’s table and all are welcome to receive.
What is worship like?
Our services always include a time to hear and reflect on scripture, a time of prayer, and Holy Communion. We use grape juice in place of wine during Communion so that we may stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in recovery.
Our worship includes music. We are led by our music minister and our instruments include shruti box, djembe, and ocarina.
You may be invited to help with different parts of our service. We usually recruit ministers from within the congregation to usher, serve as eucharistic ministers, and lead prayers or other readings.
A unique aspect of our worship is that the Gospel is proclaimed by our whole community. After the day’s scripture has been read, the priest or worship leader will lead us in a time of reflection where you can share your thoughts and perspectives as you feel led.
The money collected during the offering is used for a discretionary fund for our Missioner and Deacon to help member’s of our community.
Can I take communion?
All who wish to know and love Christ are welcome to receive communion:
This is Christ’s table. Come, you who feel weak, and unworthy, you who come often, and you who have stayed away. Come, you who love Jesus, and you who wish you could. Come sinners and saints, women and men, cis and trans, gay and straight. Come you who are sober and you who aren’t. Come you who are homeless and you who have a place to rest your heads. Come you who are citizens of this land and you who are not. Here you are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Now join God’s people at this feast prepared for you from the beginning of the world.
What should I wear to worship?
Come just as you are! However, because we worship outdoors, you’ll want to dress for the weather.
Have questions we didn’t answer?
Engage
You and your church can participate in Church Beyond the Walls’ ministry!
Days of Service & Reflection
CBW’s Days of Service and Reflection are half-day experiences for individuals, small parish groups, and college Christian fellowship programs from the region who seek opportunities to serve and learn. After a brief orientation, participants help prepare for the visit to Burnside Park, where they attend worship, eat and engage with the community. As we head downtown, we pray to see Christ in those we encounter, and reflect Christ to all we encounter. Some visit CBW once and others decide to attend often. The days conclude with a guided theological reflection. In what ways is Christ calling you beyond the walls?
Good Friday – Stations of the Cross
On Good Friday, Church Beyond the Walls invites you to join them on a two to three mile journey through Providence, stopping and praying at sites to acknowledge experiences of human suffering. Where possible, we engage with those we encounter. Like Jesus, we carry a cross through the streets. We start and stop our walk at the St. John’s Cathedral in Providence. We end the journey in the historical cemetery behind St. John’s. Join us for a moving Good Friday experience, like no other.
Saturday Bible Study & Other Special Programs
Every Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, CBW holds Bible Study, all are welcome. These studies are held in person, at the Cathedral of St. John in Providence, and simultaneously through Zoom. Bible Study is generally led by Pastor Linda and is very interactive. Periodically, CBW offers other growth experiences. In the past they have offered book studies, a study of Bishop Curry’s Way of Love, and even a Lenten knitting group. Our meetings are usually followed by a simple communal meal, giving attendees additional time for fellowship.
Want to learn more about these opportunities?
Donate
Your support makes Church Beyond the Walls’ ministry possible. Please consider making a secure online donation through Vanco today!
