The art form closest to faith
Music often enables us to feel or express things that words alone cannot do.
We all have favourite hymns or songs, some that cause a flood of emotion because they take us back to a particular person or time, and others that help us feel a sense of community - such as during worship. And, of course, music does help to bring us closer to God both because of the way it moves our spirits, and because of the words we sing to it.
I have been reflecting on this since I read my daily 'Thought for the Day' from lona this week. It included the words:
Music is the art form closest to faith, because unlike literature or painting it does not take its substance from the known world. It comes melody, harmony, rhythm - from the beyond. But it takes on flesh when, played or sung in our presence, it becomes allied to a particular place, time and company. It is not a consumerist commodity. It is a treasure buried in a field which, when cherished, can be an intimation of heaven.
[John L Bell, from All That Matters]
From the Vicar
God is praised as the one providing protection, both as a bird nesting her young, and as a shield from the glare of the sun.
Accept our sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise, which we make through Christ our great high priest
Having previously seen a couple of the prayers I have been looking forward to this book for some time. I have now been lucky enough to see a copy of the published book and it is great.
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
The executive team of Vicar, churchwardens and treasurer meet constantly on parish business.
Parish Groups
Worship leaders, lay readers, servers, ushers, greeters, flower arrangers, cleaners, counters, intercessors and cup bearers all join together to support the service.
From the Vicar
