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
In the Middle Ages Mary's Song inspired the Feast of Fools celebrated after Christmas usually around New year. This feast was a literal acting out of the Magnificat as a rather strange way of witnessing to God’s kingdom that inverts human power structures and raises up the oppressed to places of honour.
We are to give up our insatiable desire to consume and replace it with the expectation of the coming of Jesus.
Advent is a time of reflection and preparation for when time will end and Jesus will come in power and glory bringing our waiting to completion.
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
Beginning the year, with an excerpt of a letter from Corraine Haines, from the City Mission, in regards to the Back To School programme
In the Middle Ages Mary's Song inspired the Feast of Fools celebrated after Christmas usually around New year. This feast was a literal acting out of the Magnificat as a rather strange way of witnessing to God’s kingdom that inverts human power structures and raises up the oppressed to places of honour.
Regular Summer Sunday Services
We are to give up our insatiable desire to consume and replace it with the expectation of the coming of Jesus.
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.
