St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will offer a series of kayak masses, the first of which will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday.

Participants are invited to join the group of paddlers for a group excursion which will conclude with a service of communion on the lake. When asked to explain the logic behind a unique worship experience being offered this summer on Chautauqua Lake, the Rev. Luke Fodor, rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, said, “Jesus spent a lot of time on boats, so why shouldn’t we?”

Fodor brought the idea with him from his previous church on Long Island, where he participated in a similar event. He and his family are very physically active and he feels that it is part of his obligation to his church and his community to offer opportunities to engage in these types of activities as well.

“Spiritual wellness and physical wellness are both very important to everyone,” he says. “I believe that it is the church’s obligation to support its members on all levels. Combining physical activity with worship is not only fun, it helps an individual to become more well-rounded.”

St. Luke’s held its inaugural kayak mass last fall, and the service was met with such enthusiasm, that the church has decided to make the aquatic event a part of its regular summer schedule. There will be a total of four monthly services on Sunday, July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18 from 4-6 p.m. Launch sites will be determined near the day of each event, and will be selected to accommodate weather conditions.

The community is invited to participate in any of all of the events, regardless of their religious affiliation. Participants should bring their own canoes or kayaks. There will also be a limited number of rentals available through Evergreen Outfitters, who will deliver the kayaks and equipment to the launch site. Anyone interested in renting should contact Evergreen in advance at 763-2266.

Participants are asked to contact the church office at 483-6405 the Friday before each service so that they can communicate the launch site and any changes in plans.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is located at 410 N. Main St., Jamestown. For more information, visit www.stlukesjamestown.org.