And with thy Spirit.

Eastertide 2025 came to a close in the early weeks of June, with Ascension Day and Pentecost.

I spent the morning of Pentecost at St Peter’s Isham, one of the churches in our benefice, with a much anticipated list of typically “Pentecost” hymns.

That evening, our church in Orlingbury led a Choral Evensong for Pentecost, again our music was largely typical and expected. But the biggest awkward moment was listening to the “Lessons” from KJV of course,

And I’m not the only one thinking: What???

The tradition and custom is to use the King James Version at Choral Evensong and I even gave, during an informal welcome, the Church of England’s blurb as to why KJV is preferred…

A consensus was still thinking… “What???” As both of readings were just too caught up in old language that it made no sense, even to those who actually know how to use an apostrophe. (it’s a joke between me and some dear parishioners)

It appears that most churches I’ve since challenged this scenario to, have mostly, correctly IMO, decided that the bible must make sense, so let’s give a translation that folk understand!

In The Advent Story, most readings are a standard translation, I think NRSV, but I also read some passages and flick to ERV to understand it!!

Over the last few years Church has become more focused on Prayer, and The Holy Spirit. And however controversial, The organist in the room may sometimes struggle to feel it!

Me, personally, with one of my favourite hymns being “Come, down O love divine” is perhaps the reference I need.

The Holy Spirit is a feeling, a buzz, a feeling that makes you take notice! I find this hymn is musically something that soul-searches. And the words can be sung with such feeling that it gives that very purpose?

I consider those words a Pentecost hymn, which is “the Holy Spirit” so even my little brain makes sense of this!!

A couple of weeks ago, yet again, it’s the Holy Spirit doing its work, as I was invited to play the piano & organ for a TOGETHER event. I was even more delighted to share GOD’S GREAT LOVE TO ALL. At the close of the event many folk came up to congratulate those words and asked to share it with others…. of course!!!

I met many new people, including Clare, Helen, Bethany, Didi, Vicky, And Nic, who gave a really eye opening talk. I saw some good friends too. Afterwards, whilst unwinding, a pug came over and decided I was best friend and must be sat next to. Much to the amusement of Rachel, whose support was limited to laughter!!! The dog got a blessing on the way out!!

Before this TOGETHER event, I had most of this post ready to write, but I was so touched by the content and the love, that it needed a mention!!

In early June, we said farewell to our dear friend Richard Pestell. Richard worked for Peterborough Diocese so his funeral and thanksgiving service was packed out full of people who knew and loved him! We had two bishops, three archdeacons, I ran out of fingers and toes counting clergy members.

It was a very well planned service with special and appropriate content.

At one point in the service we were given the opportunity to remember Richard in our own way. And I couldn’t help but struggle not to suddenly burst out laughing!! In the beginning of normality after Covid-19, Richard and Rosemary returned to church, but silly ol’ me spotted something that I couldn’t unsee… Richard wore the same purple pullover as he had worn the week before, and then the next week, and probably the one after that!!

I had to not look because I seem to find such things really funny, and am prone to think about it at any completely random time, and burst out laughing. Probably during the prayers, or in a minutes’ silence. Such a random thought will just pop into my head at a most inappropriate moment and I can’t help it! I wish I could! Triggers are even as weird as “someone blowing their nose!”

But TOGETHER, we are all there for the same reason, we are all welcome and all loved for who we are, what we do, and what we don't do.

Well, my out of office is about to go up, my bag is packed, just a school “do” and then I’m off to Peterborough for the weekend!

To Rachel, Huw, and all being priested, To Jess, Carol, Hilary, Helen and all being ordained deacon. Congratulations, I am there supporting you all!

God’s great love to all who serve Him,

serving each and every kind,

Our God loves us, now and always:

Who we are He loves us all.

Dates for the diary:

A DECENERY FESTIVAL OF MUSIC - Sunday 27th July, 6pm at St Andrew’s Wellingborough.

12th October - Choral Evensong at St Mary’s Orlingbury