Categories: uncategorized
Date: 05 June 2006 17:34:43
Due to noise from open-air Pentecost services in previous years interrupting the quieter parts of the Eucharist, it was decided to hold a shortened service starting earlier. This paid off as we were done and dusted by half-past-ten, although there was sometimes the feel of being on an express train as we rattled through. The youth group performed an atmospheric mime to the sermon, of the amazement and bewilderment of the first disciples. Coached by an actor, their faces were the most expressive parts of their bodies - the effect might have been lost from the back but being in the choirstalls we had a grandstand view. The anthem during communion was 'If ye love me' (Tallis) sung full - quartet - full. Several of the choir, including the quartet soprano only just arrived in time as the early start had caught them out. The steam fair had been moved to a different part of town for this year, so there were no strange hoots or whistles half-way through the anthem to put us off.
The evening saw a goodly crowd - perhaps some people decided to have a lie-in this morning and come to evensong instead? A choir of 14 - half of whom were under 21 - sang 'Listen sweet dove' by Ives and struggled to lead the congregation in unfamiliar hymns which we hadn't had time to practice. It's a definite skill to sight-read the notes while trying to follow the words to each verse on the next page.