Issue 31 Autumn 2011 New Chair of Praxis T HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED that the I hope Praxis (and Praxis News of £2.50 Inew Chair of Praxis is to be the Rev’d Dr Worship) can serve the worshipping life Jo Spreadbury, Vicar of Abbot’s Langley, in of the in some key In this issue Hertfordshire. She writes: respects in the next five years – and indeed I am delighted to have been appointed far longer than that, but my appointment is Chair of Praxis and I write to introduce just for the quinquennium. We are ten years New Chair of Praxis 1 myself. As a curate, I went on a number of into Common Worship and all the major Retiring Chair of Praxis 1,7 very useful Praxis courses, little imagining texts are now being used widely (we are From the General Synod 2 that I would end up one day in the position at present waiting only for the Additional News 3 of making the resources and opportunities Eucharistic Prayers and the supplementary Book reviews 4-5 of Praxis available to others. Having come Baptism resources to come from the IALC on Marriage 5 from a non-church background, I was Liturgical Commission at the request of Musical news 6-7 attracted first by the beauty of worship General Synod). So the opportunity is ripe Colin’s column 8 while still at school from the experience for sharing good practice and encouraging Praxis training events 8 of attending Choral Evensong in the city imaginative use of the rich texts of Common centre from time to time. Worship with space, movement, silence, I was then drawn to faith more deeply as music, gesture and symbol, order and What is Praxis? a student by the power of liturgy as well as spontaneity, reverence and joy. Praxis was formed in 1990, by the witness of friends, and I was baptised The Fresh Expressions initiative across sponsored by the Liturgical and confirmed in the college chapel. As the Church will provide additional incentive Commission, the Group for the well as being a member of the college to find ways of making the liturgy ‘live’ Renewal of Worship (GROW) and chapel at this time, I was a member of the in a variety of non-traditional contexts. I the Alcuin Club to provide and college Christian Union, so I have been hope, above all, that as dioceses work out support liturgical education in the formed across a wide range of the Anglican ways of implementing training reviews for Church of England. tradition. clergy and other ministers in line with the At theological college I became interested new Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Affiliation in the study of liturgy, and my Classics Measure, that liturgical review will have a The sponsoring organisations do background helped me with both Early high priority within this process. not fund Praxis financially. The work Church Greek texts and medieval Latin Praxis will work hard to provide easily that Praxis does is supported mainly ones. I have served as secretary on the St accessible training and effective resources by affiliation. If you are not an Albans Diocesan Liturgical Committee for so that laypeople and clergy alike have the affiliate, why not consider becoming a number of years, and have kept up with best support and provision as they plan and one? the latest liturgical developments through lead worship: worship that invites others Praxis News of Worship is edited attending the national day conferences for into an encounter with the reality of God, by Gill Ambrose and is copyright © Diocesan representatives and following the so that through the ministry of our churches Praxis 2011. deliberations of the Liturgical Commission. many people are able to know, and to make Material for inclusion should be sent I was pleased to be elected to General Synod known, the transforming power of the God to the editor, in 2009 (and re-elected in 2010). of Sinai and Calvary. [email protected] We reserve the right to edit material and make no guarantee to include material submitted. The views The retiring Chair of Praxis, David Kennedy expressed are not necessarily those of Praxis or the Praxis Council. T’S ALWAYS INTERESTING when you matters of doctrine, especially as this Imeet people you’ve read. As a baby in the chap was also rumoured to be an active For general enquiries, affiliation and liturgical world a couple of decades ago I parish priest. I can’t remember when we programme information, contact kept coming across David Kennedy’s name, met – probably at the Group for Renewal of Praxis, 19 The Close, Salisbury, Worship – and I’m glad that the person in the Wiltshire, SP1 2EB and rumours about an academic interest flesh was every bit as engaging as the person Phone 01722 424 858 in the Epiclesis. His Grove Booklets were [email protected] interesting and accessible, but I had to be on the page. impressed with PhD study on complicated Continued on Page 7

Page 1 from the General Synod New Liturgical New Eucharistic exegetical contortions to demonstrate that the ‘Samaritan Episode’ in Acts 8.14-17 Commission Prayers in which, in a kind of emergency, the he Liturgical Commission for the he Additional Eucharistic Prayers two apostles laid hands upon the already Tnext five year lifetime of the Church Twere debated at the July meeting of baptized Samaritans and the Samaritans of England’s General Synod has been the General Synod and committed to the received the Spirit, was in fact the apostolic appointed. Its membership is carefully next synodical step in their development, ‘norm’; and not only so, but that the Early constituted so as to resource diverse needs further scrutiny at a Revision Committee. Church followed this example so faithfully across the breadth of tradition and practice The prayers were again widely welcomed that Anglican confirmation is in clear of the Church and it is supplemented by and several speakers offered suggestions descent from it, that this rite completes the appointment of a number of expert about the ways in which celebrations baptism, and that the Anglican formularies consultants. of the Eucharist with children can be support and entrench this position. From the General Synod improved. It is clear that these prayers The Rt Revd Stephen Platten, Bishop have the potential to be the focus of ..they dismiss ‘Baptism of Wakefield, Chairman; The Rt Revd further thought and development. Among as complete sacramental Robert Paterson, Bishop of Sodor & Man, those called to speak in the debate were Vice-Chairman; The Revd Dr Rosemarie several people with significant expertise initiation’ as erroneous and Mallett, Southwark Diocese; The Revd and experience in supporting worship regressive... Philip North, London Diocese; Canon with children, who commented on ways Andrew Nunn (co-opted, Synod Chaplain) in which the language and length of the So confident are they of being able Southwark Diocese; The Revd Dr Tim prayers might still be improved. to balance a great edifice upon the Stratford, Liverpool Diocese; Mrs Sarah three verses in the Acts that they merely Finch, London Diocese; Canon Christine A twist on the dismiss BACSI as erroneous and wrong- McMullen, Derby Diocese; The Revd Dr Jo headed; and thus they do not attempt to Spreadbury (co-opted, Chair of Praxis), St Initiation front confront the literature of the last 40 years Albans Diocese. Colin Buchanan writes... which support and develop the wholly Other members biblical position that water-baptism is the The Revd Dr Anders Bergquist, Rector of t General Synod in July there was a Bradford diocesan motion, seeking universally used, single sacramental rite St John’s Wood; Canon Dr Anne Dawtry, A for the incorporation of new believers into Archdeacon of Halifax; Canon Perran Gay to expand the Synod Regulations to the body of Christ.So we have to confront (co-opted), Precentor of Truro Cathedral; provide for baptized adults to be admitted a retrogressive and damaging sectional The Revd Mark Earey, Tutor in Liturgy at to communion even if not ‘ready and position advocated on a one-sided and Queen’s Birmingham); Canon Christopher desirous’ of being confirmed. The newly Irvine, Canon Librarian of Canterbury formed Faith and Order Commission highly selective basis. Cathedral; The Revd Dr Simon Jones, (FAOC) was asked for a preparatory But this is not a private publication: Chaplain of Merton College, ; The document to outline the present position it is virtually published as the official Revd Tim Lomax, Vicar of Christ Church, and reasons for defending it. They did position of the Church of England. I wrote Bayston Hill, Shropshire; Dr Bridget this, and their document (GS 1840B) to Martin Davie, and he informed me that Nichols, Chaplain to the Bishop of Ely; The clearly relied heavily on a book they the position is indeed ‘the agreed position Revd Paul Thomas, Rector of St James, had published only a few weeks before: of the Faith and Order Commission’. Paddington and Deputy Chair of the Prayer The Journey of Christian Initiation At this stage, I only ask: did the whole Book Society; The Revd Gary Waddington, (edited by Paul Avis and published by Commission agree this without debate? Rector of St Wilfrid’s, Harrogate. SPCK). Recourse to the book exposed an Or is there any hint still to be found in Consultants extraordinary position – here was the new the Commission or, say, in the House of The Revd Dr Paul Bradshaw; Dr Juliette Commission of the Church of England, Bishops that someone among our leaders Day; Mr Lindsay Gray (Director, RSCM); charged with responsibility for doctrine, thinks the ‘agreed position’ is at least Dr John Muddiman; Canon Dr David reinventing a long-abandoned position debatable? Scott; Canon Angela Tilby (Christ Church, on confirmation. The leading authors Oxford) in the symposium are Paul Avis himself, is the ‘agreed position’ at Observers secretary of the Council for Christian The Revd Dr Kenneth Carveley, Methodist least debatable? Unity, and Martin Davie, the Theological Church; The Revd Dr Peter McGrail, Consultant to the House of Bishops. In I gather that at least in the Synod some Roman Catholic Church; Mrs Gill Ambrose, Editor, Praxis News of Worship. brief terms, their position is to oppose the brave voices were raised against the thesis. Staff notion of ‘BACSI’ (Baptism As Complete And, marvellously, the Bradford motion The Revd Christopher Woods, Secretary Sacramental Initiation), a view which Paul was set aside by a procedural motion, and of the Commission and National Worship Avis says ‘seems to have achieved the status thus was avoided any risk that, if defeated, Adviser; Ms Sue Moore, Assistant Secretary. of unquestioned orthodoxy’. its defeat would be attributed to the In place of this, the authors go into reliability of the FAOC ‘agreed position’.

Page 2 News

authorisation is even possible. GROW’s golden The Excellence of Grove booklet W199, How to share anniversary the leadership of worship, left one big the Liturgy question unanswered: if anyone invited by he Group for the Renewal of Worship he next Alcuin/GROW Joint the minister can lead a service, what do (a Praxis sponsoring organisation) T Liturgical Study is number 72. you do about a sermon if you have nobody celebrated its fiftieth anniversary at T Charles Simeon on ‘The Excellency of authorised to preach? This booklet helps Swanwick in July. GROW emerged from the Liturgy’ by Andrew Atherstone will to fill that gap. It looks at some of the Latimer House Liturgy Group in 1961 be published by SCM-Canterbury and is challenging things you can do, whether and the first Grove booklet was published scheduled for distribution to subscribers in or not you have an authorised preacher in 1971. During the group’s anniversary October 2011. present, to help people engage with celebrations the Bishop of Coventry spoke This Study will complete 25 years of the scripture in church. It moves on to look at of his delight at being invited to honour a publication of the Joint Liturgical Studies. how you can make this a structured part creative movement which had become ‘a They originated when Geoffrey Cuming, of your church life and worship, and how home for an amazing diversity of spiritual on behalf of the Alcuin Club, approached you might encourage people to think they energy, a symbol of new life in the Church, the Group for Renewal Of Worship could have a go. and an icon of hope and Christian wisdom (GROW) in 1985, to ask whether the throughout the Anglican Communion’. then-existing Grove Liturgical Studies But can you have a He reflected on the valuable training could be expanded into slightly weightier, provided by Grove Worship booklets, but slightly more academic, ‘Joint’ Liturgical sermon if there is no-one also by membership of GROW, which had Studies. A Joint Editorial Board was authorised to preach? prepared a number of Evangelicals to serve formed and has ensured a flow of texts and on the Liturgical Commission as well as researched writings for this quarter of a It's a booklet that will help you find encouraging young authors. Teamwork century, largely concentrating on providing some good ideas, and to work through had been a strong emphasis of the group, both patristic texts in English, and studies the issues in an unthreatening way so that he said, paying particular tribute to Colin in Anglican liturgical history. Most are still engaging with Scripture becomes part Buchanan and Trevor Lloyd and during a in print – nos.1-58 from Grove Books, of your church's planning for worship. service of Holy Communion, opportunity , and nos.59-71 from SCM- The line is taken throughout that the key was given to recall with thanksgiving Canterbury. person is the one who authorises the use GROW’s significance in the lives of of the script or filmclip, or the choice of individuals, in worshipping communities With or without a interviewee, or the questions for discussion in Britain, and in the wider church. - it's a matter of teamworking and preacher collaboration. By extension, that person News from How to engage with Scripture ... with or does not necessarily have to be present at without a preacher by Anna de Lange will the service; in this way the ‘sermon’ is still Sarum College be number 207 in the Grove Worship Series. overseen by an authorised preacher. ames Steven, a member of the Group veryone who comes to church needs to "" Anna de Lange is currently a Reader Jfor the Renewal of Worship, has recently Ebe helped to think about scripture as in Durham Diocese and retired from being been appointed Programme Leader for part of the journey of worship, and to be Chaplain to Durham School this summer. Liturgy and Worship at Sarum College in challenged about the implications for daily She was on the Liturgical Commission Salisbury. The College is an ecumenical life. That is what the sermon is for. 1996-2001, and is a long-serving member of study and research centre for theological There are lots of books about preaching Durham’s DLC. education and spiritual reflection, open to good sermons, but they each assume that people of all faiths and none. James moves the person reading it is 'a preacher', ie Grove publications can be obtained to Salisbury from King’s College, London, either clergy, a Reader, or someone else directly from www.grovebooks.co.uk where he has been teaching liturgy and authorised in some way. running the Doctorate in Theology and But can you have a sermon if there Ministry programme. His new post will is no-one authorised to preach? And are involve teaching and running the MA in there better ways of presenting a sermon Societas Liturgica Christian Liturgy (a comprehensive study than a monologue? There's very little that ocietas Liturgica, the biennial of the major aspects of Christian worship, amplifies the note in 'A Service of the international interdenominational drawing upon historical, theological and S Word' which says that the word 'sermon' gathering of liturgists from round the contemporary pastoral themes), planning includes drama, interviews, discussion, world with 250+ participants, met this courses for ordained and lay worship audio-visuals and can mean that the year at Reims in Northern France from leaders and developing opportunities for sermon is broken up into various parts the 8th to the 13th of August to address liturgical research. Further details are on of the service. This does rather raise the questions of Christian Initiation. the Sarum College website (www.sarum. question of who needs to be authorised ac.uk). in such cases - and indeed, whether such Page 3 Book reviews Creative Ideas for Alternative for the President in services that are full Eastertide. As the author states, many of Sacramental Worship of movement. It draws together Holy the reflections were previously published Simon Rundell, Canterbury Press Communion Order One with: in the . Pridmore writes with ISBN 978-1848250239 188 pages • the Liturgy for Palm Sunday consummate skill; his contributions are £18.99 • the Passion Gospels arranged for always rooted in Scripture, but he relates dramatic reading Scripture magnificently to contemporary ike many people coming from a • seasonal texts for the Eucharist on Christian living, and he draws on some Ltraditional parish where the Mass is Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in excellent and poignant illustrations. This central I’ve wondered how to introduce Holy Week is a book to turn to for inspiration in the something a little more creative without • the Liturgy for Maundy Thursday writing of sermons for the great days of losing the ethos of the place or indeed the • the Liturgy of Good Friday the Christian year, for short homilies at congregation. We might start with the • liturgical resources for the scriptural weekday Eucharists, for festivals falling stations and the labyrinth. I can certainly stations of the cross and the resurrection on those Sundays where the festival may see that an open day with some of the • the Easter Liturgy displace the usual Sunday provision, and stations ideas for people to wander around • new musical settings for the Eucharistic for personal devotion on ‘red letter days’. might work. We’d have to change them for prayers You will not be disappointed. our context, as we don’t have spare TVs or Bound with six ribbons in different "" David Kennedy Vice-Dean and indeed the money to buy MP3 players or colours to make it possible to set up page Precentor, Durham Cathedral the equivalent. But we do open the church combinations very precisely in preparation What do you do, after you’ve for historical visits and the occasional for each liturgy, it makes a pleasing learnt their names? The faith of tourist and to try to encourage a spiritual addition to the Common Worship family dimension to a visit would be marvellous. for communities that keep Holy Week in Generation Y I suspect we might find it difficult to traditional and creative ways. Sylvia Collins-Mayo, Bob Mayo, Sally have a screen at our Sunday Mass, but as Nash with Christopher Cocksworth; I write this I wonder about the possibility The Word is Very Near You: Feasts Church House Publishing, 2010, ISBN of a screen near the crèche area. It might and Festivals 978-0715142066 153 pages £14.99 be a way of keeping the attention of the John Pridmore, Canterbury Press, little ones, who are kept to the side and 2010 ISBN 978-848250314, 108 pages he expression, ‘Generation Y’ refers to those born in the last two decades of probably can’t see the main action. Who £19.99 T th knows? I tried to make the movie of the the 20 century; following Generation X, ohn Pridmore’s book of reflections on Angelus using the pictures and sound who in turn followed the ‘baby boomers’. the Sunday Principal Service Lectionary effects, but it was quite difficult as my Mac J Researchers assert that these different was reviewed in the Summer 2010 edition now has an upgraded version of iMovie generations in the developed world, born of Praxis News of Worship. Hot on its (which I haven’t used before) and the into milieus which differ in their politics, heels comes this second volume for Feasts instructions in the book didn’t match the economics and technology, need to be and Festivals. The reflections come in screen pictures. studied in their own right. three sections. The first, ‘Feasts and Holy There are lots of ideas, especially on The book reports and reflects on Days’ includes what Common Worship the disc. The ideas were quite low tech research carried out on Generation Y in calls the Principal Holy Days, but omits and certainly made me think that I could England and gives a fascinating insight Pentecost and Trinity Sunday which probably take some short movies or indeed to their world. It begins by setting out were covered in the first volume, whilst use some of my photos to put some some background theory and context, and including the Monday to Wednesday in projects together. It’s a book for those of then highlights findings from interaction Holy Week and Easter Eve (which are us who need a bit of encouragement to get with 300 young people who participated not given Principal Holy Day status). The started. It will disappoint your technical in 34 different youth and community second is ‘Festivals’, adopting Common experts, as they probably know much more outreach projects. However, the authors Worship nomenclature omitting Sunday than is detailed here, but for those who say little about diverse sub-cultures festivals such as the Baptism of Christ and just need some confidence to begin then within Generation Y (unlike, for example, Christ the King, also covered in the first this book probably does it. Pimlott & Pimlott, in Youth Work after volume. The third, entitled ‘Celebrations’, "" Christine Hall, Curate St Dunstan’s, Christendom, 2008). The later chapters of includes Corpus Christi, Dedication Stepney the book reflect on the findings and their Festival, Bible Sunday, Mothering Sunday implications for the church. Common Worship: Holy Week and and Harvest Thanksgiving. The volumes The book notes a distinction often Easter – President’s Edition together give comprehensive coverage for made these days between youth work and Church House Publishing, 2011, ISBN both Sunday and weekday celebrations youth ministry. The former is directed 978-0715121719, 464 pages, £100 of the Christian Year. The only omission more to unchurched youth, creating is the Monday to Saturday of Easter his beautiful book has been produced communities and activities to help them Week, although most of the lections to provide a stable source of text develop as individuals and relate to the T appear in the provision for the Sundays of wider world – and at the same time

Page 4 and concern surrounding marriage and, in our increasingly diverse society, the findings of a Commission which has Book reviews examined the subject with representation sharing Christian truth and love. Youth art’s meaning rather than a conserver of from across the world will offer us many ministry is more about discipling young other people’s work. The curator creates valuable insights. Christians through teaching, worship a space in which encounter can happen. One session was set aside from the and service. The authors note that this ‘Good curation orders, gives meaning and regular work of the IALC in response generation is not hostile to the church; message, references, questions / queries. to a formal request from the Standing respecting its existence, faith and worship, The best is almost invisible.’ (p.37) Commission on Liturgy and Music of even if at arm’s length, and reference is All the liturgy explored comes from The Episcopal Church (USA) so that made to the work of Grace Davie on the alternative / emergent / emerging representatives from that Standing ‘vicarious religion’. Those who think movement of worship and community. Commission could hear from IALC that ‘youth work’ will bring dozens of The sorts of event under discussion are members in response to that Province’s youngsters into their churches may need to not the stuff of weekly assembly, but exploratory theological rationale and take on board the authors’ finding that the might typically happen no more than a liturgical principles for the development tolerant and affirming approach of many dozen times in the year. Sue Wallace, for of rites for the blessing of committed youth workers often allows young people example, is blunt: ‘doing a full multimedia same gender relationships. This time to become more confident in their own set-up more than once a month isn’t was set up as a ‘consultation within the world views – whether Christian, godless feasible’. (p.108) Consultation.’ or unorthodox. The book offers a range of stimulating It was fitting that at a meeting in There is very little here about young introductions to the worship of the England, the IALC membership was people and worship. Personal prayer, in emerging church. For those who are able to honour the memory of the Right various forms, is clearly on the agenda for either unfamiliar or even suspicious, I Reverend Dr Kenneth Stevenson – who many young people, not only those with recommend starting with part one, but had been scheduled initially as one of the a church background. For the committed, then moving to the interviews with Sue plenary speakers, and whose recent death the small group for prayer and study is Wallace, Dave White, and the leaders all mourned. important. of Bath’s Sanctus community. Leave the In the final chapter, Christopher interview with the leaders of Vaux till last Cocksworth responds to the spirituality unless you enjoy the mentality of bad boys observed, by skilfully commending out to shock the grown-ups. More than the Eucharist as a material celebration any of the other chapters, this one breathes of the supernatural story of salvation, something of the attitude that the rest of which should engage Generation Y. us are ‘too school for cool.’ Ana Draper Implementing this will be a challenge for notes that ‘so many emerging groups youth leaders and clergy alike. / communities are made up largely of "" Ian Tarrant, Rector, St Mary’s Woodford ‘disaffected evangelicals’. (p.123) That may Curating Worship help explain why the book never really explores how the cyclical routine of the Jonny Baker developed and developing tradition and SPCK 2010 ISBN 9780281062355 the modern curated event interact other 175 pages £10.99 than the former being a reserve for the his book takes the idea of the ‘curator’ latter to raid. Tfrom the world of art and seeks to This remains a creative and thought- explore it as a metaphor for the creative provoking introduction to the emergent planning and leading of worship. It is in scene. Read it if you want to get a sense two parts. The first, brief, section explores of what some of the possibilities might the model of curation and what it might be, or to understand how some (many?) mean for worship. The second section contemporary pilgrims are trying to (most of the book) consists of interviews re-imagine their faith in the light of the as Jonny Baker talks to a range of people creative arts. about their experience of planning and Those who think that culturally relevant leading worship in the light of the curation worship consists of CCM praise bands will model. Baker himself is a leader in ‘Grace’, find a very different picture here. There an alternative / emerging community at St is, however, room for a sequel which does Mary’s, Ealing. rather more to explore how the model The way the model is developed of curation might bring the mainstream draws particularly on installation art, tradition and the artistic installation and contemporary thinking about the event into a more mutually appreciative active role of the curator as an active relationship. artistic participant in the exploration of "" Doug Chaplin, Vicar of Droitwich Spa

Page 5 Musical news

Singing the Faith by composers including Diana Burrell, may Africa, influenced by what was described put them out of the reach of many parish as a ‘mission paradigm’. Anna Nekola – the new Methodist hymn book choirs, but this will be easier to judge after gave a challenging presentation on the ymnody has always been at the heart the launch at Southwark Cathedral on 22 marketing of contemporary Christian song. of Methodism and this new book November 2011, St Cecilia’s Day. Sir Peter Her chapter in a recent Ashgate book, H Mediating Faiths: Religion and Socio- aims ‘to embody the depth and breadth himself has set a poem by Rowan Williams, Cultural Change in the Twenty-First of Methodist theology today’, bringing ‘Advent Calendar’, for the collection. A Century together a rich diversity of musical styles specially bound copy of the book will be (edited by Michael Bailey and Guy and traditions. A full contents list can be presented to the Queen, and it is hoped Redden), is entitled ‘US Evangelicals and seen at www.singingthefaith.org.uk. The that more than sixty cathedral and choral the Redefinition of Worship Music’. full music edition will cost £30 but is foundation choirs will sing the anthems The organisers included Monique Ingalls, available at £25 if ordered from Methodist during the Jubilee year in the context of who has recently moved from Toronto to Publishing before 31 December 2011. services, many of which will be broadcast by Cambridge as Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow An interesting, innovative addition Radio 3 and on local radio. in Popular Music and Culture. They plan to is a supplementary website (www. arrange a further conference in the summer singingthefaithplus.org.uk), edited by Time with the Psalms of 2013 and also hope that a book will appear with selected papers from this year’s Laurence Wareing, which is due to be pportunities for creative exploration of event. launched at the same time as the printed Othe Psalms are on offer at Lee Abbey collection. in Devon and Scargill House in Yorkshire Launch this autumn. Carols for Choirs at 50 The launch will take place in Wesley’s Monday 31 October to Friday 4 he firstCarols for Choirs (the well- Chapel, City Road, London at 6.30 pm November at Scargill House, led by Tloved green volume) was published by on Friday 21 October 2011, at a service of Peter Gunstone and Phil Stone – more OUP 50 years ago. The newest addition thanksgiving and praise entitled ‘O for a information at www.scargillmovement.org. to the series – Carols for Choirs 5 – is thousand tongues to sing’. There is also an Monday 24 to Friday 28 October at intended in part as a celebration of the accompanying exhibition (running from Lee Abbey: A Journey through the Psalms book’s fiftieth anniversary. 12 September until 8 December) in the led by composer Steven Faux – more There are fifty carols, some of them Museum of Methodism, beside the chapel. information from www.leeabbey.org.uk/ new arrangements of familiar material ‘Singing the Faith – The Development of devon/programme. Steven Faux’ ‘Psalms (including Paul Leddington Wright’s Methodist Hymn Books from the 18th Project’ featured on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Sunday ‘O come, O come Emmanuel’ and Bob Century to the Present Day’ showcases Worship’ from Bath Abbey in January 2011. Chilcott’s ‘Silent night’) and others using early and rare hymn books, including some There is also a half-term music week at new words or music – or both. Lovers belonging to the Wesley family. Scargill, led by Roger Jones and his team. of John Rutter’s seasonal music will be pleased to see his ‘Candlelight Carol’ Anthems for the Conference on song included, but younger composers such thnomusicologists (who study how as Thomas Hewitt Jones (‘What child Queen’s Jubilee Eand why people make music, looking is this?’) and Will Todd (‘My Lord has he current Master of the Queen’s at the socio-cultural context) made a major come’) are also represented. A few items TMusic, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, is not contribution to the conference on ‘Christian are more suitable for Christmas concerts known primarily for writing sacred music, Congregational Music: Local and Global than for carol services, but there is plenty although his compositions include two sets Perspectives’ hosted by Ripon College to explore for liturgical use. of evening canticles (for Wells Cathedral Cuddesdon in September 2011. Among the and St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, speakers were Martin Stringer, Professor of Epiphany resource Edinburgh) and several pieces for the Choir Liturgical and Congregational Studies in of the Chapel Royal. the University of Birmingham’s Department rom the Royal School of Church Music About six years ago, however, Sir Peter, of Theology and Religion, and Mark Evans comes a new publication for use during F The Light of God’s Glory along with Robert Ponsonby, came up from Sydney’s Macquarie University, whose Epiphany. can be with the idea of celebrating the Queen’s book Open Up the Doors: Music in the used with suitable hymns and carols for a Diamond Jubilee in 2012 by producing Modern Church (Equinox, London 2006) self-contained act of worship (an Epiphany a collection of contemporary anthems. has an interesting history of Hillsong Procession or carol service, in which ‘words, The Choirbook for the Queen will be Church and its music, now sung around the music, movement, symbol and ceremony accompanied by a year-long celebration world. play their part to enrich our understanding of choral writing and of the British choral Plenary and panel sessions covered of the mystery of God who, in Jesus, shares tradition, organised by the Choirbook a diverse range of countries, churches our life by taking human flesh’) or as an Trust (www.choirbooktrust.org.uk), whose and musical styles. Among the most anthology of seasonal choral music, hymns, trustees include Stephen Cleobury and Lucy moving was a report on new approaches songs, readings and prayers. Winkett. to congregational song being taken by Epiphany Processions may be held on The level of difficulty of the new anthems, the Dutch Reformed Church of South any suitable occasion between the Feast of the Epiphany (6 January) and the Feast of Page 6 On the Past Chair of edited by Anne Harrison Praxis, David Kennedy, continued from page 1 the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (2 texts, a number of them worth reading at a above, Singing the Faith. February), but are particularly appropriate leisurely pace as poems. The lecture which David wears his learning lightly, and on the First Sunday of Epiphany, the Alan Gaunt gave at the conference of the generations of theological students at Festival of the Baptism of Christ. Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland Queens Birmingham, (and St John’s in July 2011 demonstrated the inspiration Nottingham and Cranmer Hall where Choral songs by that he finds in the work of various he has been a guest), have reason to be John Bell poets, including Paul Celan, and several thankful for his making liturgy fun, examples are quoted in the explanatory he Splendour of the House of God is relevant and important at the same time. notes here. Gaunt is clearly a hymnwriter a set of fifteen ‘choral songs for public I can testify to his academic dedication T who takes language intensely seriously, and worship’ by the Iona Community’s John too: we shared a cold railway platform once, acknowledges the darker side of human Bell, newly published by GIA Publications. far too early in a morning, when I was off to existence. It includes four items based on psalms, a the DLCs’ day and he was off to supervise a ‘Eternal God, whose love is ever true’, setting of words by Doug Gay (‘Wisdom’s thesis in some far off place of learning. written in 2005 in memory of one of the Table’), and a new arrangement of ‘We I also benefited from David’s wisdom author’s friends killed while crossing the cannot measure how you heal’ (including when I became a Precentor. Having served road, is described as ‘A Hymn After Sudden parts for flute and cello). A CD recording is in academic institutions and in parish Death’ and might be helpful as a funeral also available. Further details can be found life, David went to Durham Cathedral reading, although it could be and indeed via the online shop section of the Wild with a huge amount to give in that most has been sung. Some hymns were written Goose Resource Group’s website (http:// specialised of contexts, and he taught me for specific tunes, including one in the wgrg.co.uk). once again when I rang with simple queries. same metre as ‘O valiant hearts’ – ‘For the Two of the pieces are ideal for celebrations And it was always worth keeping my mouth fallen’, which Alan Gaunt feels unable to of church buildings and the worshipping shut whenever David spoke at the Liturgical sing due to its apparent glorification of war. communities using them: ‘In Christ we Commission: I seem to remember a He hopes that his new words, ‘Great God of live’ (a lively hymn with refrain and four particular expertise on the Christmas Season love’, dating from 2009, could be sung not verses), and the anthem which gives the as he was part of the Times and Seasons only by pacifists but by ‘all Christians who collection its title. ‘The splendour of the Group. remember the war dead, but also yearn for house of God’ was written to celebrate the David is now laying aside his justice and peace in the world.’ restoration of the Cathedral Church of St Chairmanship of Praxis. We have been Mary the Virgin, Glasgow, and is published well served, not simply because of the in an arrangement by Frikki Walker, the Hints for songwriters unparalleled range of experiences and gifts Cathedral’s Director of Music. icky Beeching, a musician and member David has brought to bear to the role. In Vof the Spring Harvest planning team the relatively quiet period after the flurry of Hymns by Alan Gaunt who is developing their ‘Worship Zone’ Common Worship, Praxis has continued seminar stream for 2012, has posted ‘Ten to educate and challenge, and David has eyond All Words is a collection of Mistakes to Avoid in Songwriting’ on her steered that beautifully. Liturgy can often hymn texts written during the last B blog (http://vickybeeching.com/blog/, 6 be sidelined, and David has ensured that ten years, along with brief background September 2011). She asserts that if a song the academic temperature has been raised, notes and suggestions for tunes – music is going to be useful to the whole church, ensuring that initial training before and is provided in a number of cases, such as it should work with one voice and one after ordination is rigorous and of uniform Matthew Redfearn’s tune PARSLEY HAY to acoustic guitar, rather than requiring a band quality. Perhaps a good legacy of David’s the words ‘Dancing Holy Trinity’ (inspired and expensive equipment or a huge choir. time on Praxis will be the Syllabus, which by reading Colin Gunton’s book, The One, She also stresses the importance of getting will have a huge influence on what happens The Three and the Many). Several items feedback and being prepared to revise a in IME 1-7 were written for all-age worship. ‘Tell all song, rather than assuming a first attempt Sometimes committee meetings of the world about it’, for example, looks as will be the final version. It is easy to be liturgists can get fractious. I’m told that if it would work well as an Eastertide song defensive about one’s own creativity, and David’s calmness has ensured that Praxis to the tune of ‘Go tell it on the mountain’. learning to listen to constructive criticism has been steered with grace and focus – no Part of the motivation for this category was about words and music can be painful. small achievement. So, for all this hidden the author’s sense of disturbance at material Vicky studied theology at Oxford and dedicated work we jobbing liturgists, provided for children to sing, some of which University and also blogs on the interface worship leaders and people of prayer should he feels is simplistic and even ‘theologically, between technology and spirituality (www. give thanks. David reminds us again and philosophically and scientifically untrue.’ cybersoul.com) and on women and worship again that we are formed in and by our URC minister Alan Gaunt (born in (http://womeninworshipnetwork.com/). worship. His chairmanship of Praxis has Manchester in 1935, and now retired) Her songs include ‘Everlasting God, the helped make that formation deeper and of began to write hymns in about 1960 and years go by’ (‘Yesterday, today and forever’), greater significance, and for that we are all three earlier collections were published by published in several books, among them grateful. Stainer & Bell in 1991, 1997 and 2003. Complete Mission Praise (1041) and the "" Jeremy Fletcher, Vicar of Beverley The new book, like his previous new Methodist hymn book mentioned anthologies, includes some challenging Page 7 Praxis training events Colin’s column Healing, dying and death 4 February 2012 10.00 – 3.00 ell, the Roman Catholics have now texts in preparation in the last years of St Mary’s, Heworth, Gateshead Wgot their new texts in play. Use the last millennium for their 1970s texts Keynote speaker The Revd Ian Wallis began on the first Sunday in September, were outdated in various ways. Then, the A seminar based day, led by members of and I heard them on the radio that promulgation of Liturgiam Authenticam the Praxis North team, which includes a morning, and a fortnight later attended a in early 2001 set up new criteria for Eucharist with the laying on of hands and Mass in Leeds Cathedral. I now have the translation (particularly a latinate style anointing. new and old texts open in front of me. with close literal adherence to the original The day is designed for clergy, Readers, lay From that little live experience, I do Latin). The ICEL commission was then worship leaders, pastoral team members wonder whether the new translation is dismissed, and the new appointees were and all who play a part in the ministry as retrogressive (or even un-English!) as warned not to flirt with ecumenical texts, of healing, in ministering to the sick and some hostile journalism had portrayed though many such texts took their origin housebound, and in pastoral support for it – and I had been fairly hostile myself. from Roman Catholic drafting! In the ten the bereaved. Notes and resource will be However, some of the gunfire had related years since there has been considerable provided. to the procedural intricacies leading up to frustration in seeking to get the new texts It is hoped to include seminars on: the authorization of the texts, and was not themselves past the relevant Congregation • developing the ministry of healing in the concentrated solely on the upshot. I may in Rome (a body which is suspected of parish have got it wrong, but my understanding having little idea of what runs well in • using the Common Worship Wholeness is that the International Commission on English). Let’s look at the upshot: and Healing provision English in the Liturgy (ICEL) had new • ministering to the dying • ministering to those with mental health (a) Texts with ecumenical parallels problems • Funeral Services: developing our practice ECUMENICAL (1975 texts in RC use) NEW RC • developing memorial services The Lord be with you / And also with you The Lord be with you / And with your spirit Cost: £10 (Praxis affiliates £7) Contact: And peace to his people on earth And on earth peace to people of good will [email protected] We praise you for your glory We give you thanks for your great glory Liturgy and Lament Of all that is, seen and unseen Of all things visible and invisible 20 September 2012 10.30 – 3.30 Of one being with the Father Consubstantial with the Father Birmingham Anglican Cathedral (St It is right to give him thanks and praise It is right and just Philip’s) The Rt Revd Gordon Mursell God of power and might God of hosts Lament in the Bible, lament in the liturgy (b) More specifically Roman texts Gordon Mursell, a former Bishop of (Beginning of Eucharistic Prayer I) Stafford, is renowned for his biblical and We come to you, Father, To you, therefore, most merciful Father liturgical understanding, especially of the psalms, and will help us explore this with praise and thanksgiving we make humble prayer and petition further in his own unique way during the (Beginning of Narrative of Institution) morning session. The day before he suffered On the day before he was to suffer The Revd John Bell he took bread in his sacred hands he took bread in his holy and venerable hands The lost tradition of lament John Bell’s afternoon workshop will (Response to Invitation to Communion) help us sing the songs which express the Lord, I am not worthy to receive you. Lord, I am not worthy heartache and help us produce liturgy that you should enter under my roof, which meets real needs. but only say the word and I shall be healed. but only say the word John Bell will also be in Birmingham and my soul shall be healed. in the evening running another musical workshop. This is a linked but separate event run by RSCM (Birmingham) here are, of course, annoyances when I find myself now more dubious than 7-9pm, probably at St. Chad’s Catholic as a worshipper you are told from the embattled. How say you? Cathedral – 5 minutes walk from St T " front that the texts you have been using for " Colin Buchanan is a former Bishop of Philip’s Anglican Birmingham Cathedral. 40 years, texts which have become part of Woolwich and was for many years the Editor your devotion to God, are now discarded of GROW’s News of Liturgy. If you want to stay on for the evening or retouched enough to annoy. Anglicans (And then, how many times has the C of event there are plenty of places to eat and of course ought to be cross at the E tinkered with agreed ecumenical texts, evensong will be sung at Birmingham deliberate snubbing of existing ecumenical including the Creed and Lord’s Prayer, over Cathedral at 5.45 – 6.15pm. Details from: work. But in terms of the actual English the past 40 years - Ed.) [email protected] Page 8