Categories: uncategorized
Date: 06 April 2012 15:33:59
Calm and peaceful Compline, three nights in a row - almost completely said, apart from the unaccompanied 'Before the ending of the day'. Our naval chaplain assistant priest gave thought-provoking talks at each one, demonstrating that very special ability to take deep theological ideas (e.g. kenosis) and make them accessible to those in the pews.
The Gloria (Mass of St. Thomas, Thorne) made a welcome reappearance at the Maundy Thursday Eucharist, and 'A new commandment' (Shephard) was accompanied, due to low choir numbers. Who would have thought there was so much furniture within the sanctuary - with four altars to be stripped it took some time. And some acrobatic skill from the choir as they disrobed around the stored items in the vestry afterwards.
It's always scary when we don't have time to rehearse before a service, and the 'Last Hour' of Good Friday was no exception. The start of 'O Saviour of the World' (Goss) therefore sounded rather wobbly, although we picked up confidence as we continued to sing. Still, I doubt there was much time for rehearsal at the first Good Friday, either, so we were in good company. And, hopefully, people were too busy watching the large wooden cross being processed slowly up the aisle to notice our little wobbles.