Here’s what I said on Sunday.
I ask you. Which sounds more fun – the fleshpots of Egypt or wandering aimlessly in the desert?
It is not hard to have some sympathy with the children of Israel. Moses and Aaron have led them away from a life which was unfair though one which was mundane and familiar. And they have led them – not to the promised land – not yet anyway, but to the desert.
The wilderness. The desert. The place where there is emptiness. (more…)
One of the interesting things about choral evensong is that in some places it can seem like a living tradition that can speak to anyone, whereas in others it can appear to be dry as dust, pompous and irrelevant. What do you think the “method” is that produces a living choral evensong as opposed to an antiquarian one?
That’s a good question, Martin and I agree, it can be miserable.
I think that worship tends to take off when those planning it and organising and leading it care more about what we are doing when we worship than in the form in which we worship.
I suspect that Choral Evensong is not best led by liturgical, musical or prayer book fundamentalists or by those who happen to find this a way of encountering the holy.
A culture of offering the best we can be to God helps. Good relationships between musicians and clergy help. As usual, clear liturgical books in the hands of the faithful help. And whoever is leading needs not to be frightened of a bit of silence now and then amidst the music.
I committed my annual musical sin last night by being rude about the music book Carols for Choirs in front of the St Saviour's Choir. I know that they don't understand this heresy.Carols for Choirs is part of the King's College, Cambridge Christmas hegemony. Choirs think that it is not Christmas unless they make an…
I had such a strange dream last night. It must have come from watching too much Pop Idol. I dreamed that I was in the final of a sermon competition just like Pop Idol. The thing was, it was taking place in Iceland. And several times during the night I woke up having just, in…
The Baptist is Back! Striding into our worship. Cutting as strange a figure as ever he did. Walking in from the wilderness to say to us ? ?Prepare, you, yes you, prepare the way of the Lord?. Who will heed the baptist?s cry in Advent this year?
I spent most of today beguiling people. Fascinating to watch people themselves watching what was going on. Quite a few desparate to join in but worried about being seen. Lots got over their hesitation though and walked.At the end of the day, quite a few of the therapists and practitioners from the stalls at the Mind,…
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