Issue 50 June 2016 £2.50 Time for Creation

In this issue In October 1999, the Second Ecumenical European Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that the churches consider and promote the Time for Creation 1, 4-6 preservation of Creation as part of life at all levels. The Assembly Reports 2-3 agreed that the seriousness of the ecological dilemma for the future of the Music News 6-7 Events 7 human race meant that consciousness of it must be raised. A commitment Books 7-8 to preservation of the creation was not an issue among many others but Colin’s Column 8 an essential dimension of all church life. A proposal followed that the period from 1 September to the second of October be observed as a period of celebration of the Creator and Creation and in 2008 WCC Central Committee invited churches to observe a Time for Creation through prayers and actions. What is Praxis? The beginning and the end dates are linked with the concern for creation in the Eastern and the Western traditions of , See www.praxisworship.org.uk Praxis was formed in 1990, respectively. 1 September was proclaimed as a day of prayer for the sponsored by the Liturgical environment by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I in 1989. The Commission, the Group for the Orthodox Church year starts that day with a commemoration of how Renewal of (GROW) and created the world. On 4 October, many churches from the Western the Alcuin Club to provide and support liturgical education in the traditions commemorate Francis of Assisi, known to many as the author Church of England. of the Canticle of the Creatures. In this issue of Praxis News of Worship, we consider some of the ways in which congregations might begin to think about this and allow it to Praxis News of Worship is copyright © Praxis 2016. Material for inclusion shape their worship this autumn. should be sent to the editor, [email protected] We reserve the right to edit material Further resources and make no guarantee to include he web pages of the ecumenical and international bodies are a particularly good material submitted. The views source of liturgical material for marking creation time. Countries where the expressed are not necessarily those of T Praxis or the Praxis Council. impact of climate change first became noticeable – Australia, for example – were the earliest to recognise the importance of reflecting liturgically on its implications. Contact praxis@praxisworship. ¾¾The Anglican Communion Environmental Network (http://acen. org.uk anglicancommunion.org/) offers a great deal from Australia as well as material from South Africa. For general enquiries, affiliation and programme information, contact ¾¾Season of Creation (http://seasonofcreation.com), based in Australia but drawing Praxis, 19 The Close, Salisbury, from networks across the globe, offers material for each Sunday of September 2016 SP1 2EB, 01202 296886, praxis@ and 2 October. praxisworship.org.uk ¾¾Churches Together in Britain and Ireland offers resources each year as well as a Affiliation comprehensive archive (https://ctbi.org.uk/category/spirituality-and-reflection/ The work that Praxis does is creation-time/). supported mainly by affiliation. If ¾¾Eco-Congregation Scotland (www.ecocongregationscotland.org/materials/creation- you are not an affiliate, why not time/) gathered an ecumenical writing group to create material for the Sundays in consider becoming one? September 2016, which will be available soon.

Page 1 Reports Hitting the right note She is passionate about involving lay Worship in people in worship, building confidence changing times merging from London Bridge tube and breathing life into the weekly worship Estation on a misty May morning, of local churches. Such testimony gives t was a sunny, if rather breezy, St we headed for Southwark Cathedral hope to small rural congregations (like IGeorges’ Day when we met, as Praxis for a day on music in worship entitled ours). Where there is a genuine desire to Southwest, at the excellently-appointed ‘Hitting the right note’. It was our give God our best, there is a rich store of Cullompton Community Centre with first experience of a Praxis event and musical treasures available, treasures old Tim Lomax, now Director of Mission the clever title promised much. We and new (Matthew 13.52). She challenged for the Diocese of St Albans. wondered how effectively such a large us to try something new, even with a Tim took as his starting point the area of interest could be covered in just traditional congregation (and Helen observation that times are changing. He one day. What kind of music would was well-versed in what was ‘new’ on argued that worship needs to change too be featured and what styles? Would the Christian music scene). All things to if it is to be an adequate response, before we learn anything new? Would there all musicians, she encouraged us to try the God of life, in the world today. He also be anything useful to take back to our chanting, or teach responsorial psalms. noted that worship and mission were so home churches? We could revisit older hymns, experiment often kept in separate compartments. This However, the day was well planned with a new form of words with a fresh imbalance needed correcting, and, anyway, and lived up to its name. After a theological insight or sing a well-known mission was not just about outreach. What friendly welcome, registration, selection hymn to a different tune. Prayerfully and needs to happen is a fusing of context and of afternoon workshops and much sensitively employed, such variety in a tradition. There needs to be a balance here appreciated tea and biscuits (well- liturgical diet can be spiritually beneficial too: too much context and you end up orchestrated by Praxis South Committee and an aid to deepening . dumbing down; too much tradition felt members), we gathered in the historic nave Following lunch, the afternoon constraining, a structure more like a cage with anticipation. Our keynote speaker workshops built upon the foundations than a stage. Get this right and you create for the day was Helen Bent, a professional laid by Helen Bent. Andrew Maries a framework that is faithful to tradition – musician, teacher and Head of Ministerial spoke about ‘Music, song and the wider for us, our Anglican heritage – but which Training for the Royal School of Church community’ and Stuart Thomas covered also builds on our life experience, our Music in partnership with Praxis. With ‘Choosing and using music’. Helen herself culture and the lives of our communities. great enthusiasm and warmth, she led us led a further session on ‘That singing The question is how to achieve the straight into worship. Her love of God thing’. balance. Tim offered twelve building and people communicated naturally So did I learn anything new? Of course blocks for truly missional worship. The and we were treated to an ecclesiastical I did, though most of Helen’s music first was that it should be thoroughly master-class of liturgical music and song. choices were known to us. But the day was Trinitarian – creative and community From power-point to grand piano, Helen useful and more importantly, it was a re- orientated. Other blocks included had us singing in parts before we even learning and a re-awakening of examples disciple-making, deepening relationship, had time to doubt ourselves! A gifted of good musical practice which can all too promoting active participation and worship leader, she sang and played easily slip away in the complex planning of inspiring creativity. Very telling was a wide spectrum of styles from Bach busy multi-parish service rotas. Certainly number 12 – attractively authentic. We to traditional South African, to Rend I was inspired to invite the organist at one cannot copy the worship of others: falling Collective, Stuart Townend and Matt of our churches to come along and teach into the temptation of trying to replicate Redman. ‘He who sings prays twice’ was a the singing of their joyful ‘Gloria’ to all the at home a great experience encountered truth that reinforced the practical teaching, others at our next Cluster PCC meeting! elsewhere. Worship needs to be rooted in with an outline of the theological role Why had I not thought of that before? its home context with tradition there to of music in worship, a comprehensive It is all too easy to stick with the familiar give it shape, structure and a voice. bibliography and time-line sheet showing and the routine. So even if our musical Much of this wisdom is contained in the progression of liturgical and musical ability is not great, we could still do what Tim’s recent book, Creating Missional development in the Church of England we are doing already, but plan our church Worship, published in 2015 by Church during the 20th century. Helen’s easy music more imaginatively and more House Publishing. Along with a Reader manner made this an enjoyably instructive intentionally. colleague, I bought a copy, determined to and participative day. Helen said that ‘music takes us on share what we had heard with the rest of It was also helpful to hear something of a journey’ and it should be spiritually our Ministry Team at home. The next part Helen’s experience of working in multi- exciting, as ‘worship which does mission’! of the journey will be to apply it! parish benefices. She believes that people Might we even find that our congregations "" Robin Lodge is Chair of Praxis SW. often receive more from the worship than will grow, as new people are attracted by they do from the sermon. Worship is a the vibrant worship? window of opportunity for churches, a "" Deborah Larkey is the Team Rector of means to glorify God and edify his people. Vale of Pewsey

Page 2 Reports shall I sing that majesty which angels do from four adults. Ally described the Inspired – in admire? Let dust in dust and silence lie; important ministry of children and Birmingham? sing, sing, ye heavenly choir. Thousands family groups at afternoon baptism of thousands stand around thy throne, O services (welcoming, holding the Gospel bsolutely yes! It was great to be back God most high; ten thousand times ten book, reading the Bible, leading the together again as Praxis Midlands A thousand sound thy praise; but who am I?’ prayers, setting up the PA system, etc.). and in our St Philip’s Cathedral ‘home’ It was an awesome day. Alexandra, secondary school chaplain, base. We met in the newly refurbished And the future? Praxis Midlands described how students plan and lead undercroft, which was light, bright and a committee will be in touch with all our tutor group worship. Chris described perfectly-formed meeting place. email contacts shortly. Your ideas and the formation of a young voices choir It was a joyful inspiration to have requests are always appreciated. which led the singing at the monthly Bishop Michael Perham, founding chair "" Anne Horton, Praxis Midlands of Praxis, as our main speaker and to all-age services in his church. And welcome him back to the Midlands. Rachel told us about a young boy who (Michael was Dean of Derby 1998-2004, Empowering has instinctively grown into a ministry of before being elevated to the bishopric of children as supporting and mentoring fellow young Gloucester 2004-14.) people in his church. We had asked Bishop Michael to ministers We ended with an all-age Eucharist inspire us – about the beauty of God which incorporated many of these ideas and the beauty of the . Many big thank you to the Praxis and examples. I went home with a real of us had walked from the ‘new’ New AEast team for their innovative sense of hope and of the church growth Street Station to the newly refurbished and inspirational May 2016 event potential created by congregations St Philip’s Cathedral, so it seemed good at Bar Hill Church, Cambridge, on with the vision to empower children as in our eyes also to invite Iain Frew and empowering children as ministers. 50 ministers. or so people from all over the region Janet Chapman to join Bishop Discover more Michael in leading our reflections about and beyond listened and contributed the beauty of those two special local with enthusiasm. This well-planned Look up https://praxisworshipeast. buildings – cathedral and rail station – and event began not only with coffee but wordpress.com/empowering-children- the mixed beauties of our own buildings. also with a ‘sign up’ notice board which as-ministers/ for a full summary of the (Janet is Canon Liturgist on the Cathedral acted as a ‘public witness’ to participants’ wisdom of the day. ‘Read, mark, learn team, and Iain is the Retail Chaplain to experience of the ministry of children in and inwardly digest’! New Street Station, soon to be re-named their parishes. It was exciting to realise "" Anne Horton, Praxis Midlands Birmingham Grand Central Station.) what was already happening – far more, In the beginning, though, Bishop I guess, than any of us had realised! Michael moved us to be inspired by ‘the Significant thought-starters for me beauty of God’. He moved us from Holy during this first part of the day were one Scripture to Holy , and from God phrase – ‘It gives them a status in their in the Darkness, the ‘broken bleeding church’ – and one question – ‘Are there dying man’, through Eucharist, Cross and things that only children can do?’ Broken Host, to the vision of the Lamb Ally Barrett gave scriptural of God in the Book of Revelation. Then encouragement: the witness of the child we came down to earth as we reflected encouraged by to stand up among on the reality, and the beauty, of our own buildings. Our questions and the flow of the vast crowd of adults around him; our discussion with the panel was wide- the impact of Samuel’s calling on Eli, his ranging and challenging. mentor; the miracle made possible by After lunch we were inspired by the young lad who was willing to share reflecting on the ‘beauty of the liturgy’. his picnic lunch with Jesus. Testimonies Bishop Michael said ‘Liturgy must be by Andrew Reid (now grown-up, and alive!’ so with him we explored word, song, currently director of RSCM) and Joanna movement, gesture, silence and Eucharist. Barrett (not yet grown up but already (He is kindly allowing us to share the text exercising an important ministry in her of both his talks on the Praxis website.) home church) testified to the impact for The afternoon climaxed upstairs in individual and church growth of adult the Cathedral Chancel with a ‘hearts to affirmation of the ministries of children heaven’ Eucharist, the colourful Burne and young people. Jones windows overshadowing us. ‘How After lunch we heard testimonies

Page 3 Time for Creation

you have sent me.’ God loves the world where individualism reigns. They can Worship in response – dies for the world – in all its hostility. also challenge us to remember the many to creation William Temple put it like this: around the world, and more locally, for No object is sufficient for the love of whom the food supply is still precarious. ow do we bring the creation into God short of the world itself. Christianity Plough Sunday or, more correctly, our worship? The psalmist has no H is not one more religion of individual Plough Monday, its medieval title, difficulty: ‘let the sea thunder and all that salvation, differing from its fellows only signified a return to work after the twelve fills it…Let the rivers clap their hands’ in offering a different road to that goal. days of Christmas. The plough might (Psalm 9.8-9). Here, the creation is invited It is the one and only religion of world- be kept in the church and then paraded to acknowledge its creator; and this redemption (Readings in St John’s Gospel around the village; some churches invitation takes on a defiant quality when, 1955, p.48). kept a plough light burning to remind for example, in the Greek text of Daniel, This is not universalism: we are free people to pray for the land. Praying for the three Jews cast into the burning fiery to reject the love of God. But a huge those returning to work, alongside a furnace summon the entire creation to responsibility, and a huge potential, rests consideration of what is happening in praise the Lord. In effect, they are saying: with humankind, as the concluding verse the natural world as creation appears to we may die in this furnace, and we do not of the Gospel makes clear: ‘there are many hibernate in preparation for spring, might know whether our God will save us from other things that Jesus did; if every one be another fruitful theme to explore. it; but even if he doesn’t, the sea-creatures of them were written down, I suppose Rogation comes from the Latin rogare, and cedar trees will celebrate our God’s that the world itself could not contain the to ask – for God’s blessing on the crops victory. Nebuchadnezzar is defeated by books that would be written.’ Is this empty once all the fields were set. TheBCP a song from the furnace that is stronger rhetoric? No: the narrator (who appears denotes the days leading up to Ascension than that of his tin pot orchestra (‘the just for a second, just as the curtain comes Day for this and in a variety of traditions horn, pipe, lyre’, etc.), and the three Jews down, in that fleeting reference to ‘I’) is communities might walk around parish walk free in the heart of the fire. Just as we inviting us to dream of the day when the boundaries, praying in some way for invite creation to join with us in worship, entire creation is transfigured through the crops. Building on these traditions and in so doing give a voice to those who the changed lives and stories of those appropriately is a real opportunity to be have no voice, and no one to speak for who follow Christ. That is why worship visible and to create a community event, them, so creation can speak for us when matters, for there we are bidden to praise perhaps with food shared. we have no voice of our own. The creation into being the new heaven and the new At Lammas, celebrated on 1 August both images and incarnates its creator: earth of which John of Patmos speaks; to to mark the wheat harvest, new grain thus, in the lovely image of the 125th seek forgiveness for our failure as stewards; was used to bake a loaf for the . At Psalm, the hills keep us company (v.2), and to draw everything, from our nearest this busiest, pressured time of the year silently sustaining us just as the Lord does. fellow-creature to the furthest galaxy, into praying for arable farmers is a way to But what if the creation has no desire the reach and rhythm of our prayer. stand with them, celebrating the staple to praise its creator? Or, to put it another "" Gordon Mursell is Canon Theologian of food that bread represents. And while way, what if, in some sense, the creation Leicester Cathedral and a former Bishop of Harvest Festival has remained popular, a is alienated from its maker? This issue Stafford. celebration of the natural world will be a is addressed directly in the Johannine good opportunity to connect with wider writings. The wordkosmos (usually communities, even in a city. Sharing food translated ‘world’, but literally ‘created as part of the celebrations is a good way of order’) comes over 70 times in the Gospel The traditional extending hospitality and welcome which alone. More strikingly, it occurs four times festivals of the also helps to build up the community. in the Prologue and once in the Gospel’s Resources for all these festivals are closing verse, heightening its importance. agricultural year available on the Arthur Rank Centre Its use is nearly always negative (‘the world he medieval festivals of Plough website, www.germinate.net, and the Iona did not know him;’ ‘if the world hates Monday, Rogation and Lammas Community also produces appropriate you, be aware that it hated me before it T resources: www.ionabooks.com. hated you’). Yet the single most famous were a way of honouring God and, "" Elizabeth Clark is National Rural sentence in the Gospel tells us that ‘God so when food supply was precarious at best, Officer for the Methodist and United loved the world [not just the holy, or even paying attention to our dependence on Reformed Churches. the human, but the whole creation] that the natural world. How might these he gave his only Son…God did not send festivals speak to us today when, for the Son into the world to condemn the most in the rich world, food is relatively world, but in order that the world might cheap and plentiful? be saved through him.’ Jesus’ prayer to the First they can be a prophetic voice Father begins with the intimacy of Father reminding us where our food comes and Son, but extends to include the entire from, our dependence on God in cosmos: ‘so that the world may believe that creation, and on each other, in a culture

Page 4 Time for Creation in Britain and Ireland. Many churches research is pointing to the many benefits Creationtide and the now celebrate Creationtide which may of being more connected with the natural environment incorporate Lammastide, Rogationtide, environment. A pleasant view from a Environment Sunday and Harvest hospital bed has been proven to speed he opening verse of Psalm 24 Festivals. recovery in patients. Regular and frequent reminds us that we are stewards and T The Archbishops’ Environmental access to the outdoors has been found caretakers of creation. The earth does not Working Group has been meeting together to improve mental health outcomes and belong to us – it belongs to God, and for just over a year to raise awareness people who display a deeper connection therefore deserves our respect and care. and explore how issues relating to the to nature have reduced levels of the stress We are also assured that all creatures of environment can be communicated in hormone cortisol in their systems. our God and King, the sun, the moon, the whole life of the church, through Many times we use visual aids in our the heavens above, and the earth below, campaigning, through education and worship and study. What better visual aid can join us in praise of Almighty God. importantly through our worship. Graham than the creation of God’s own hand, the The psalm was written to be sung on Usher, Bishop of Dudley, a member of natural world? The peace and tranquility entering the temple. When worshippers the group says, ‘Every act of worship that can be found in nature helps us to a went into the house of God they were should be one that is thankful for all of the place where we can truly listen to God. reminded that the whole of creation mysteries and wonders of God’s creation Handling natural materials and looking offered praise to the Lord. These words but, in a special way, Creationtide follows closely at the details of their perfection make permeable the doors and walls of the psalmists’ call to join our song of inspires us to praise him with awe and our churches today. They remind us that praise with the forests, rivers and fields wonder. our vision for worship always needs to who bring their own praise to the Creator. We hope that our book will help expand horizons to capture something Our common home is crying out to be churches look at their own outdoor space of the likeness of the wonder and glory cherished and our thankful praise should as having the potential to support worship, of the God of all things. God who can stir us to action and to tread more gently build community and inspire a desire for a also be praised, worshipped and adored on the earth.’ closer connection to nature, that we might " in running water, fields thick with corn, " Victoria Johnson is a canon of Ely better comprehend it and protect it in the roses springing to life, and creeping and Cathedral and member of the Church of future. And we hope that, for some, the crawling things that move over the face England’s Environmental Working Group. contact with nature will be a vehicle for a closer walk with God. The book provides of the earth. practical guidance and ideas, activities for The growing emphasis and concern both rural and urban settings, as well as over matters linked to the environment Wild Church whole services designed to be led in the and creation have made the Church o often we troop inside to dim outdoors – for all ages and every church increasingly aware that we need to interiors for our times of worship S community. garner our liturgical resources to give full together, putting the boundaries of walls "" Creative Ideas for Wild Church by expression to this in our worship and and ceilings between us and some of the Juno Hollyhock and Mary Jackson will be our prayer. The care of our environment, greatest works of God’s hand. So often published by Canterbury Press on 30 July and attentiveness to the created order, are we refer to the stewardship of our planet 2016. central to the Church’s mission, which calls in our prayers and then immediately us to safeguard the integrity of creation forget our good intentions as we head An autumn labyrinth and sustain and renew the life of the earth. home in our air-conditioned cars to our Sometimes our worship will need to over-heated houses. We wrote Creative s a labyrinth facilitator, my primary help us make sense of a creation that can Ideas for Wild Church to try and inspire Ainterest is in the labyrinth as a appear disordered, unstable and brutal: people to break the traditional Sunday place of mystery, a sacred space. Here it flooding, storms, drought and fire which habit of indoor wor-ship and activity. is possible to let go of the thoughts of can ravage the earth and put human life in Not all of the time, just sometimes. the busy mind and open up to a deeper danger. Sometimes our worship will need Nature is to be celebrated – whether it knowing, through the simple act of to help us appreciate and meditate on the is the tenacity of a rugged urban dandelion walking the path, which circles always beauty of nature and all things created. growing in rebellious fashion despite toward the centre. In 2014 a community There is already a vast array of liturgical years of dedicated weed-killing, or the arts project provided the opportunity resources to assist us in this aim, including abject and heart wringing perfection of for me to bring a temporary, outdoor a whole section in Times and Seasons and a new blossom or a winter sunrise. We labyrinth to my home village of Girton, New Patterns for Worship, which can be believe that we need more nature in our in Cambridgeshire. adapted accordingly to local need. Other time together as a church community. Building a labyrinth is a team activity. excellent resources and ideas can be found Like God, nature is both wonderful and Ours was constructed on the recreation on Roots (www.rootsontheweb.com) terrifying, gentle and fierce. ground by local people and members and through organisations like A Rocha, And nature is good for us. Increasingly, of the church. To mark a clear, evenly Christian Aid and Churches Together

Page 5 Creation Music News Anne Harrison spaced classical labyrinth on grass we used Jubilate website a central tether and a 6 metre long rope Festival services and swivel, plus four strategically-placed he RSCM regularly publishes festival he website of the Jubilate Group (www. jubilate.co.uk) provides a number tent pegs. The rope was marked at equal service books which can be used for T T of resource sections, including one with distances to guide the volunteer labyrinth complete acts of worship, including prayers a mission theme. There are hymns and makers. The curved lines of the labyrinth and readings as well as musical items, but songs with appropriate texts and several were made of chicken corn poured from can also function as anthologies. Some are prayers, including one by Michael Perry recycled plastic bottles. aimed at young people, such as Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly based closely on Colossians 4. All are freely We chose the autumn equinox as a (celebrating the justice of God and marking last year’s 800th available for those who register and sign good day with the idea of reflecting on anniversary of Magna Carta). Others have into the website, reporting any use through the passing of the seasons, as the long days music for SATB choirs, of varying difficulty. the CCLI licensing scheme. Some of the of summer give way to the dark nights of The most recent festival service to appear songs listed are by writers linked with winter, nature’s time for rest and reflection. is With Saintly Shout and Solemn Jubilee Resoundworship.org (www.resoundworship. Our site was under a row of mature horse – celebrating God’s saints in words and org) – with these a small charge is made for chestnut trees. The conker season was music. Compiled by Andrew Reid (Director a piano score, an mp3 file etc, but the lyric fully under way and many children and of the RSCM), Peter Moger (Precentor of sheet, lead sheet and chord chart may be parents were already present and curious York Minster) and Tim Ruffer (the RSCM’s freely downloaded. to know what we were doing. The conkers, Head of Publications), the resource contains such wonderful symbols of the fruitfulness an outline for using the book as a Service Youth Praise at 50 of nature and the promise of hope and of the Word, supplemented by a suggested he ground-breaking songbook Youth new life, turned out to be central to the order for Choral Evensong. TPraise was published by the Church proceedings. I asked the children to collect The congregational items include, as one Pastoral Aid Society in March 1966. Many conkers and make a heap at the might expect, ‘For all the saints who from Christians with evangelical backgrounds will to the labyrinth, so that walkers could their labours rest’, but also newer material remember singing ‘Can it be true?’, ‘I want pick up a conker to carry with them. I including a metrical version of the Te Deum to walk with Jesus Christ’ and other songs, suggested they might like to think of by Michael Sadgrove, who recently retired as hymns and spirituals compiled principally something they were thankful for, or a Dean of Durham. His words are paired with by Michael Baughen. His tune for Timothy wish they had for the future. They could a new tune, MINSTER GATES, by Peter Dudley-Smith’s ‘Tell out, my soul’ (number then put their conker down in the centre. Moger; if the choir were to sing the first of 3 in the book, to be sung ‘with a swing’) We soon had a glorious ‘conker cairn’ in the six verses to introduce the melody, all became very popular, though now usually the middle of our labyrinth. should have picked it up by the end of the replaced by WOODLANDS. At dusk, we lit the labyrinth pathways hymn. There are also songs as alternatives A Jubilate Jubilee is being held to with tea lights in jam jars and the effect to two of the hymns: Stuart Townend and celebrate the 50 years since the publication was magical. The labyrinth appeared to Keith Getty’s ‘King of the ages’ and the and launch of Youth Praise. This will be at float before us in the growing darkness. strongly rhythmic ‘There’s a place where the All Souls, Langham Place, on Saturday 15 More families and individuals of all ages streets shine’ – the latter a bit of a challenge October from 10 until 4, with contributions came. The children enjoyed running for an organist. A Kyrie from the Taizé from Noel Tredinnick, Michael Baughen, around the labyrinth and the adults Community is one of the musical options in Sam Hargreaves, Joel Payne and others. the penitential section. walked reflectively or just gazed. Over the As well as looking back with thanksgiving, Contemporary composers are well next few days some people came back to Jubilate will be also be looking forward to represented among the choral items; James the next 50 years. There will be plenty of walk the labyrinth in the quiet of the early MacMillan’s tranquil ‘Think of how God opportunities to sing, and more information morning. Then, gradually, it faded, as birds loves you’ (written for his granddaughter’s about how to apply for tickets will appear and squirrels ate the grain. Unexpectedly, baptism) should be within the reach of an soon (www.jubilate.co.uk and www. some of the corn sprouted, so faint green average parish choir, while Sally Beamish’s resoundworship.org). lines stayed visible for a few weeks longer. lively ‘Gaudent in coelis’ is considerably The first labyrinth was so popular that more demanding. The Thanksgiving for the Communion song we repeated it and we hope to make Holy Ones of God (from Common Worship: he opening words ‘Here is bread’ this an annual event, bringing church Times and Seasons, p.558) is set to simple and community together for a time of Thave been used before (Graham chant, with the refrain sung to the three Kendrick’s ‘Here is bread, here is wine’, reflection in the magical conker season. Alleluias of GELOBT SEI GOTT (the tune 1992) but a new song by Mark Bradford "" Kay Barrett is a Veriditas- generally associated with ‘Christ is the king! on the RESOUNDworship.org website trained labyrinth facilitator based in O friends rejoice’). makes a welcome addition to the repertoire Cambridgeshire: www.kayspathway.com. As well as being suitable for a choral of worship songs on eucharistic themes. Instructions for a temporary corn labyrinth festival, there is material in With Saintly ‘Here is bread that speaks of love’ can be can be found at www.labyrinthos.net Shout and Solemn Jubilee for any church heard online (www.resoundworship.org). celebrating a particular saint, or the saints of The words, melody and chords may be God in general. downloaded free by anyone who registers, and there are various options available for Page 6 Music News Anne Harrison Books a small charge, including a string quartet for those unjustly tried, How to Plan your own Funeral arrangement. RESOUNDworship.org is the prisoners held for conscience’ sake, Service, Ian Tarrant, Grove part of the Jubilate Group (www.jubilate. in cells where martyrs died. co.uk). Books, 2015 O Christ, who once in mercy came Ian Tarrant’s Grove booklet is a departure Prisons Week to seek for those astray, from that series’ normal format. It is risons Week (www.prisonsweek.org) the blessings of your saving Name aimed directly at people in the pew – a Paims to encourage and enable the be known in this our day. resource to be given to the members of Christian community, through individuals Your kingdom come, O Prince of peace, the congregation to help them plan their and churches, to pray for the needs of all to burst oppression’s chain, funeral. It is not new or unique in that: those affected by prisons: prisoners and their where hatred, crime and conflict cease, there are other resources too, not least the families, victims of crime, those working in and grace and mercy reign. leaflet from the Church of England itself, the criminal justice system and all involved Ideas for my funeral service. in caring for those affected by crime, both Timothy Dudley-Smith (b.1926) However, Tarrant’s book is no less inside and outside prisons. Copyright © Timothy Dudley-Smith in helpful for that. I particularly liked his The 2016 dates are 9 to 15 October. An Europe and Africa. answers to the question of ‘What is a appropriate hymn to sing at services or Reproduced by permission of Oxford funeral for?’ – recognising the practical, prayer gatherings during the week has been University Press. All rights reserved. social, emotional and spiritual aspects to written by Timothy Dudley-Smith. It was Suitable tunes (the metre is DCM) include the event. Too often, when people dismiss commissioned by a prison chaplain for a COE FEN and KINGSFOLD. the need for a funeral, they ignore the service in Worcester Cathedral in 2014, and latter three functions and hope that the the first verse names two significant figures practical side of it can be met without in penal reform: Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845) ceremony. and John Howard (1726-1790), from He goes through each aspect of the whom the Howard League for Penal Reform Events service – the venue, the means of disposal, – celebrating its 150th birthday this year – music, readings, words, symbols, offering takes its name. Celtic Worship for Today guidance and then leaving a section in The text of the hymn may be reproduced each chapter for people to put down their under the terms of the CCLI copyright Thursday 10 November 2016 licence (making sure the use is reported in 10.30 am - 3.30 pm thoughts. He clearly intends the booklet to the annual return); Oxford University Press Southwark Cathedral be left in an obvious place, so next of kin have kindly given permission for it to be Praxis South can pick it up and follow their loved one’s reproduced in PNOW. Speakers: Aled Edwards and Emily wishes. Walker Tarrant writes in an easy and accessible Eternal God, we come with prayer, A day exploring styles of Celtic worship style and with sensitivity to the difficult those pioneers to praise, and how they may enhance and deepen subject material. Sometimes the easy accessibility does not quite work. I felt that who offered prisoners hope and care our worship to-day. his appendix on life after death was so brief in half-remembered days; Contact [email protected] the honoured few, whose names we as to leave people with more questions know, than it answers. a Howard or a Fry, Making the most of baptism: There are limitations to the booklet and those unnoticed here below developing and sharing good – the space provided for jotting down whose names are known on high. memories seems woefully small and may practice in response to the not help family members at all – but the Bless those whose duty lies today Church of England’s Christenings booklet will undoubtedly help those who within the prison wall; initiative. want to give some serious thought to each section of their funeral. With the growing give them, on our behalf, we pray, Thursday 13 October 10.30 am – popularity of church events such as Grave an equal care for all. 3.30pm Draw near to those in sore distress Talk where there is space provided to talk The Hyndman Centre, Bury St about death, I could see copies of Tarrant’s with weary years to spend; Edmunds dispel their fear and loneliness booklet at only £3.95 each selling well. Praxis East and be for them a friend. "" Jeremy Brooks is a parish priest and This day will offer the chance to explore the author of Heaven’s Morning Breaks, We pray for lives where hope is lost, together the resources and opportunities and Whispers of Love, books on funeral a weary road to climb; created by the Church of England’s ministry. the innocent who pay the cost Christenings Project and to work out and bear the scars of crime. how we can use them to best effect. Through all the world our prayer we Contact tom.ambrose@happyserver. make co.uk

Page 7 Books Colin’s Column Alcuin/GROW Joint Liturgical Study 81: The have tried over the 13 years of fuelling this column not to Richard III Reinterment , Tim Stratford Istay too long on the liturgical role of bishops, largely because bishops and their customs are not the main concerns of the (ed) parochial practitioners for whom this journal is chiefly compiled. There was a paragraph about this Study in the lastPraxis News of That said, I am far from indifferent to trends in episcopal styles, Worship. We understand now that Peter Hobson, who did much of and my starting point is a distrust of the episcopal sub-culture, the leg-work in Leicester Cathedral, has written his own account, which has generally become more Roman, more elaborate, even entitled How to Bury a King (available from the Cathedral). The more pompous, during my 55 years in orders – a ratcheting up title would have fitted well into the Grove Worship Series, where which is all the more paradoxical because in the last 35 years there ‘How to…’ introduces several booklets of practical coaching for has come first a trickle and then quite a full stream of evangelical leading and sharing in worship. But I think GROW were unaware bishops, such as could never have been envisaged in the 1950s of sufficient demand for this title ever to have come up with such a and 1960s. Part of the reason for the ratcheting is, of course, coaching resource. that anglo-catholics have always had a reasoned programme for The most wonderful further news is, of course, that Leicester ceremonial, while evangelicals (who have rarely become bishops City Football Club won the Premier League at (unique) odds of on the grounds that they knew something about liturgy) have 5000-1 against and, though the causal links are hard to establish, been torn between the relative informality in which they had been probably owe it all to King Richard III’s recovery and reinterment. previously formed, and an undiscriminating readiness to adapt Alcuin/GROW Joint Liturgical Study 82: to the ways of their and congregations so as not to offend The Reformers and the Liturgical Use of the or disappoint people’s expectations. We thus have not only the near-universality of the nearly-indefensible mitre, but we also Decalogue, David Wallingford, with editorial have it being propped up for display on communion tables and assistance from Gordon Jeanes worn inappropriately when the occupant of it is praying. We have Anglicans in most parishes nowadays are somewhat surprised – and not only the more-defensible staff, but we have it laid upon the possibly even marginally irritated – when the Ten Commandments communion table as though that were a display case for episcopal are read in liturgy. But at the Reformation the Commandments regalia (which it is not), and we also have it solemnly delivered to were a centre-piece – most obviously in the communion service the bishop to hold while standing to hear the Gospel, a ceremony (and in use there in the ante-communion even on the Sundays which not only distracts from the Gospel itself, but is completely when there was no communion), but also literally centred in meaningless. And so one could go on. large letters on the east wall when the previous images and This is more strongly in mind, as I have been reading Simon ornamentation had come down, and further rehearsed in church Jones’ very engaging new Alcuin Liturgy Guide, Celebrating within the catechism which was supposed to be learned by all Christian Initiation (SPCK). Alcuin, of course, reckons to give teenagers before confirmation. And what the English experienced, guidance in a broadly catholic way. In fact I find myself giving so did the Lutheran Germans and the Reformed Swiss. David Simon all sorts of good marks for very sensible guidance, but I Wallingford made this a special study in his middle age and the am then stopped in my tracks when I read that at confirmations Joint Editorial Board had just commissioned it when the author a server carries water in a jug or ewer in procession to the font, died. Gordon Jeanes has (at the author’s explicit wish) taken over that the use of oil raises questions about how to do it, but not the the project and edited it for publication as the next Alcuin/GROW weightier question as to whether to do it, and that for the bishop’s Joint Liturgical Study. confirmation prayer: Evaluating Worship: How do we know it is any ‘The bishop’s hands remain joined for the responses that introduce it. They are then extended palms down, towards the good? W227, Mark Earey candidates for the prayer itself, and brought together again during Mark’s earlier booklet on Worship Audit is now out of print, and the last line before the people respond with the ‘Amen’. The in this new booklet he reflects more broadly on the criteria that bishop’s folder will need to be held by the chaplain or a server to we use to evaluate worship and what this tells us about our (often make these gestures possible.’ unarticulated) assumptions about what worship is, what it is for, Well, it’s OK as practice, but surely over-directive as guidance? and what therefore makes it ‘good’. In the process he uncovers I shall have to watch myself in that last line. some hidden ‘models’ that underpin our assumptions and some An irrelevant footnote: more obvious criteria which we often apply without thinking about the implications. Do I understand aright the note by Michael Gisbourne in the The booklet is designed to help us think about the evaluation March edition of PNOW? Did others see it? He was introduced that takes place at different levels – our self-evaluation of worship as the new chaplain to the General Synod, but he was asking we have led; our evaluation of worship at local level in which us for ‘ideas about liturgy for a “Pet Service”’. I am aware that we participate; the worship of the Church nationally. It will the liturgical programme of General Synod nowadays has a be particularly useful for churches engaging in some sort of comprehensiveness far beyond that occasional daring use of Series assessment of their own patterns of worship, perhaps as part of 2 which enlivened our worship in the early 1970s; but did the mission action planning or a wider mission audit. archbishops know what they were letting the Synod in for when they appointed this radical new chaplain? "" Colin Buchanan is a former Bishop of Woolwich.

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