(Cornwall Day 28) Chorus of Angels

Today is Monday, so are you wondering what happened to the SconeLady on Sunday? 

This happened!

Once again under a clear blue sky, I stepped into the Parish Church. There was, seated in the vestibule and chatting, the Vicar. Again he greeted me saying, "Hello! In the choir again today?"

I certainly said yes I am, and the Vicar smiled and said we're glad you are. And after that I trailed along into the choir room.

There was a little pause and scramble before I could find robes (there are always two robes - red and white) because I think last week's weren't there. Eventually it was established that I could wear another size, which felt wedding-dress-sized ... with a train. But the ladies helped get me situated and properly clothed and, after a rehearsal, it was time to be blessed. The Vicar squeezed into the small choir room and prayed over us with thanksgiving. We stood a little straighter and held our heads a little higher as we followed the tall young man bearing the Cross in.

"Please turn to hymn number 148," the Vicar called, "omitting the starred verses." Then everybody turned to it, and the service began.

When people afterward asked how it felt to be in a Church of England choir, processing together behind the Vicar and the Cross, I almost answered, "It was so fun!" but stopped myself. It would sound silly, wouldn't it, saying that something like that, something solemn and meaningful, was 'fun'. 

But - that word was exactly how it did feel to be in a Church of England choir, etc. The swell of voices and organ together (oh that organist!), dog-Tess giving the tiniest little 'yip' as we passed, the sermon drawing attention to the utter Hugeness of God - all of it. Not so much 'amusing' or 'merry', as - blessed.

Having a father who insisted his children learned to read music, play multiple instruments, and be on a stage, opened doors for all of us. We joined church choirs, sang in worship bands, or recorded albums. Now we watch as children and grandchildren do the same sweet things, to the tune of a different generation.

Ah, lovely...in the year 2023, standing with a group of Englishmen and women singing their hearts out on something wonderful like "Holy Holy Holy", on a Trinity Sunday, in St Ives. Yes. Fun.

And next up? WILD CHURCH!

See you along the way!

the SconeLady