ANSWERING THE CALL
PICK UP, PICK UP THE PHONE, COME ON PICK UP THE PHONE, PICK IT UP, PICK IT UP, PICK UP THE PHONE - ANSWER THE PHONE... WILL YOU PLEASE ANSWER THE PHONE. Thank You
Have any of you readers ever come across this brilliant ringtone, voiced by Rowan Atkinson AKA Mr Bean? If you haven't... here it is:
My last post to you was quite an emotional one, as I publicly announced that I would be leaving my place of work from the last 4 years, and now I'm finished, you've probably all found me in Mawsley's One Stop shop.
I am delighted to be challenged to something different. Something new. I now don't have a clue what I am doing, and I am relying on my wonderful new colleagues and leaders to guide me.
I "Answered the Phone!"
I was "called" to move jobs.
Back in June, it was Petertide, and again, Peterborough Cathedral was filled to the rafters with Bishops, Clergy, Clergy-to-be, Clergy-to-be-next-year, and the love and support for them all. I was gutted to miss this years Priestings, as there were many candidates of whom I know very well. It was my last Fun Day at TCAM... I Just Couldn't!!
What I did do, is stick to my word. I decided a year ago that I would be returning to All Saints' & All Hallows' to share in the first Eucharist presided by Revd Jess Cotton.
I did it. -I snuck in as the bell struck 11, and slipped away gracefully with The Blessing given by Jess. It was if I was never there! I even missed the peal lead by our very own Capt'n Tim.
The music, which I imagine was chosen by Jess, was a list and a half, Thine be the glory, Psalm 23 by Townend, Just as I am, And can it be, We have a Gospel to proclaim, and her favourite: I, the Lord of sea and sky.
The choir had a go at Philip Stopford's: "Do not be afraid"
I have to admit that I don't know too many of his works. I remember back in 2014 when St Matthew's Northampton did "O How Glorious" and I think I did a little research at the time and felt that perhaps his music is aimed for more musically established choirs such as St Matthew's and other Cathedral standard ensembles, and I certainly wouldn't be very willing to bosh it together badly with a little village church choir and it not represent the sincerity and meticulousness in the efforts that the composer has given to writing it! He's a local chap too, He's only down in Leighton Buzzard.
Years ago, I adopted the principle that AS choir is not mine anymore,
-WE DID WHAT WE DID,
-THEY NOW DO WHAT THEY DO
-I am very happy with all we achieved together, and I now give that same all in Orlingbury.
Talking of Orlingbury, I have a little news of my own. I have been accepted to train as an Authorised Lay Worship Leader. This doesn't mean I want to wear a Collar, or a blue scarf, just that, what I do, I can do in our churches as a Worship Leader. My main domain will of course be Church Music. I very much look forward to the year ahead, and please save the date: 25th September 2027. If all goes well, and I complete, I will formally receive my certificate at Peterborough Cathedral at the service of Lay Ministries.
We met on Zoom a while ago for a chat, and a Sunday or two later I was sitting in the Choir at St Peter's Weston, thinking: "I know him!" - I couldn't put a face to a name until Canon Beverley introduced Paul Minton, who was completing his Lay Reader Training with us.
I heard his words at Songs of Praise, as he explained why it was that he chose "Here I am, Lord"
He described it as God calling him, asking him to listen and to answer.
His words has inspired me to put a descant on the chorus.
ANSWERING THE CALL - This descant is written with a powerful dominance of "Response!" you could call it a "Catch-y-up" descant because it is often a bar behind the main melody. But this is intentional to offer the answer!!
Speaking hypothetically, to put my vision into your eyes. Imagine I am the Director of Music on Ordination's Day. I would want all candidates to know this descant, and echo it along with all clergy. I am sure you have all heard Bishop John Holbrook's sermon about his Crozier. The Crozier is the stick that shepherds use to herd their sheep...
This is me!
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I have known Jess for quite a number of years now, and long enough to know that it is one of her favourite hymns.
So, Revd Jess Cotton, This one is dedicated to you, your call, your answer, and the amazing ministry ahead of you.
Ellie Wooding FGMS AFSC
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