World-renowned musician Fran McKendree will present a special worship service at St. Paul Episcopal Church, Selma, Thursday, Feb. 3 from 6 to 7 p.m.

McKendree will lead an hour-long contemplative evening worship service, incorporating elements of scripture, poetry, song, images and prayers, interspersed with periods of silence.

“This promises to be a unique opportunity to pray and praise God in some new ways that are spiritually engaging and deeply meaningful,” said Betsy Powell, associate rector at St. Paul.

McKendree is no new face to Selma. He directed a similar service a couple of years ago, parishioners say.

He grew up in rural Connecticut where he began to play guitar and to sing. After a trio he had joined won a talent contest for a position on a folk music radio show, McKendree was in the business.

That career has taken him from coffee shop to stage, where he has performed on the same bill with James Taylor and Frank Zappa.

After taking off some time to explore his spiritual side (and build houses with youths in Cape Cod), McKendree began working under the auspices of the Episcopal church, conducting concerts and developing as a music leader and coodinator for conferences.

He has released several CDs from Teerivane Studios in Hendersonville, N.C.

McKendree says in a statement, “My hope is to remain thankful and receptive to the movement of God in my life and to do this in a humble, energetic manner, celebrating our differences and similarities as creatures of God, and remembering always that we are called to actualize our faith in the world around us.”

Powell said all are welcome to join the St. Paul’s family for this special worship service.

For more information, call the church office at 874-8421.