A DAY OUT IN RUTLAND
On this Second Sunday in August, Whilst the choir of St Peter's Weston Favell are on Holiday, I jumped into the car and headed off about 28miles north-east, to visit a church for the first time. It is a village church in a benefice of Six local churches. Today, in the usual absence of clergy, it was MORNING WORSHIP with Sue and Vince.
I had been looking forward to this visit with much anticipation, but anticipation with a slight intrigue of what may be at our worship this morning! It isn't listed as 'MORNING PRAYER' but, knowing Sue and Vince, I knew in advanced that "We're in good hands!"
In fact, I picked the best day to visit. As, at St Mary's Morcott, it was a day of Celebration. It was the day when they celebrate their Patron Saint. The hymns [Sue said] were "Splendid" and the liturgy and lectionary was put together very well, and as a "Guest" I knew where I was in the service, and enjoyed being a part of it.
We were welcomed at the beginning, with an especial welcome to those who have travelled from both near and far. I knew that I was under the category of "far" until a couple of local fames were mentioned, their journey was much greater than mine, but the welcome was equally as welcoming! I was delighted to sit next to a familiar face! also travelled from afar... It was Matt Cross!!
We sang our first hymns and heard the lessons, and a special inclusion of a Psalm. And then we sat down to listen to a Homily. VC was "the man in the middle" and his words of wisdom began with "THE ORGAN" as he listed the history of the church dating back to its previous re-ordering. He gathered his words to a very true and important message.
"Those before us have Given their gifts, - We have received, We need to give Our gifts, - So those in 20-30 years can receive."
Throughout this message, I felt encouraged! I am a 26yr old Transgender lady, who has been worshipping since, well, I was a very little boy! and, I know that I have to carry 'the can' onto the generation below me, and, encourage them to do the same.
BETTER TOGETHER, AND BETTER IN COLOUR - as Vince says!
During his talk, he mentioned some of the architectural history of the church. Fascinating! and one non-musical bit stood out. "When they took out the West Gallery, it may have provided a bit more lighting for the back of church." Well... It was a bit on the dark side, and it got me looking around, and I noticed something!
Have I ever found a NON-STAINED GLASSED East Window before???
The chancel was extremely well lit in the glorious daylight of a bright August morn, and it looked rather glorious, and that was all found, from Vince's words.
We sang more hymns, accompanied by Vince's eloquent accompaniment on the Organ.
We prayed for the church and for the world.
and we came then to the announcements.
We Celebrated the Patronal Festival, We Celebrated their previous Ordinand, who, hot off the press, has His new parish! We then cheered and laughed that Vince, a keen trainspotter, had been let loose in the vestry filing cabinet in preparation for today! The next notice, is their September Songs of Praise, (Sunday 8th September 5pm) and for this, Vince has compiled a database - "Top of the Pops" (BBC Songs of Praise Best hymns apparently, 2013) and encourages everyone to choose their favourite hymn!
This is Vince, one of the most special and inspiring church musicians I have ever met. who's broad experience and knowledge of all music and all genre's deepens his greatness even more.
One more special celebration, which, again, makes my visit more delightful. Sue and Vince celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary this month! So a piece of cake, a glass of fizz, and a round of applause was shared by all!
I loved my visit here this morning, I knew I would, because I knew without thought, that Worship led by Sue and Vince would be well thought out, and well delivered.
I grew up watching Vince play the organ and keyboard, and conducting the choir, and during covid it was his TEN ON SUNDAY, and He has always given me inspiration. Inspiration to take up playing the organ. Inspiration to go out and run a church choir for 5 years. (I even used some of his great tunes in our worship) And even now, I come away from our time of worship and time of celebration at St Mary the Virgin Morcott, and I reflect on what I do, and what I have done.
I am very proud. Proud of saying "Yes" and Proud of saying: "No Thank You!"
And, I have a feeling, I now know what is next for me in church and music ministry. Maybe today has inspired it.
Sue and Vince... Thank You
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