Placement in an Anglo-Catholic church

[karen freeinchristman]

Tomorrow morning, I begin a six-week placement in a nearby Anglo-catholic church, to broaden my experience of the Anglican Church. I would like to share the experience with my friends here on CF in a journal-like fashion. Feel free to comment or ask questions, please! I may also have a few questions myself! :prayer: I would also appreciate prayers for this little journey, thank you!

The church I currently attend would probably be considered middle-to-low, broad, and has a fairly liberal priest. The placement church is chosen to be completely different from the church I am used to. I would say that I am probably a "liberal evangelical with an appreciation of the history of the Anglican church", but I really don't like labels, and I am open to learning and changing and growing.

To be honest, I'm a bit nervous about going tomorrow. This church has passed the resolutions which exempt them from having a woman priest. The priest, Father Nelson, is a very nice man. I have had an initial meeting with him at his home, and he doesn't see any problem showing me what Anglo-catholicism is about, even though he is aware that this placement is a part of the process of exploring my vocation to ordained ministry. I am nervous, but I am also excited, and looking forward to it.

I'll be back tomorrow to tell you all how it went! :)

[Naomi4Christ]

I will be praying for you. I imagine this is both exciting and nerve-wracking, and probably fairly bewildering too.

I look forward to reading your journal.

[gitlance]

I trust that you will have a lovely experience. Does this parish have a website that you could perhaps share with us?

[karen freeinchristman]

Thanks, guys!


Does this parish have a website that you could perhaps share with us?
No, unfortunately not.

[svdbygrace]

You are in my prayers. :crossrc:

[Fish and Bread]

Thanks for agreeing to share your experiences with us, Karen. It should be fascinating to read. :)

One question: When you say placement, do you mean going up in procession, wearing an alb, and so forth, and maybe doing some parish outreach as a postulate/seminarian in the United States might do; or have you just been instructed to attend masses there and have meetings with the priest every so often?

John

[karen freeinchristman]

Thanks for agreeing to share your experiences with us, Karen. It should be fascinating to read. :)

One question: When you say placement, do you mean going up in procession, wearing an alb, and so forth, and maybe doing some parish outreach as a postulate/seminarian in the United States might do; or have you just been instructed to attend masses there and have meetings with the priest every so often?

John
I have to attend 6 Sunday services and 6 'Other', meaning any other thing which goes on to do with the church. They have other services in the week, and a drop-in coffee thing on Saturdays, and are starting a new Bible study that I might just have a look-see into. Normally, the diocese would place me somewhere for 12 weeks, but the DDO is placing me here for 6 and later in January I will be placed at the opposite end of the spectrum, Evangelical.

Father Nelson has said I can do scripture readings, and intercessions, in the Sunday services. I wouldn't process or wear anything other than my normal clothes. :)

[Naomi4Christ]

What kind of assessment process is there, Karen? Are you being marked by anyone?

[karen freeinchristman]

What kind of assessment process is there, Karen? Are you being marked by anyone?
Well, the Parish Placement Supervisor (Father Nelson) will submit a brief report to the DDO at the end of the placement with an assessment of my 'potential', and I have to write a brief account of the placement experience outlining the insights I've gained.

Questions I need to think about include: What particularly strikes me as different from my home parish? How was I challenged? What did I find particularly unhelpful? What would be good to take back to my home parish? I am also to look at what ways mission and ministry is happening in the placement parish, and how these ways might differ from what happens in my own church, and summarise the difference in emphasis in ministry between the placement parish and my own. Finally, I am to critique my placement parish from the point of view of my home parish, and then reverse it and critique my home parish from the point of view of my placement parish.
All good fun, hey?! :)

[Naomi4Christ]

All good fun, hey?! :)

Gulp!

[LiberatedChick]

Blimey :eek:

:prayer:

[Thomas2618]

Be sure you also get some really good resources on the historic Church while you are there too. I'm sure that would be a great place to look for that.

[trooper]

Standing by for reports. Really fascinated by the process.

[ChessCastle]

Congratulations and best wishes to you! I hope you find the experience rewarding!

CC

[karen freeinchristman]

Well. Today at 10:00 am the service was a Parish Eucharist, which was not BCP, it was Common Worship, with the same liturgy that I am used to at my own church. Anyway, the people were very welcoming to me. The congregation isn't large, about 25. There were more candles than I'm used to, and icons, and also during the Eucharistic prayers there was a little bell at one point. No incense, but perhaps that will come at another service. We did cross ourselves a couple of times, which I feel comfortable doing anyway. It was only slightly different from my church this time. After the service, the lady next to me asked if I wanted to do the Angelus with them. Not even knowing what it was, I said, "sure"! About six of us went into the Lady Chapel and there were more bells, and we did some prayers to Mary, and some Hail Mary's, which I have never done before! So, that was the most unusual part for me. A lady gave me some literature about "Our Lady of Walsingham", which is a place of pilgrimage in Norfolk, England, mainly as a focus for English Marian devotion. The organist (who is also the church warden), came up and told me afterwards that he doesn't do the Angelus because he doesn't believe in that stuff.

Anyway, tonight I am going to Evensong and Benediction!

[ContraMundum]

Anyway, tonight I am going to Evensong and Benediction!

More culture shock to come! Praise the Lord!

:thumbsup:

Best wishes.

[Thomas2618]

Sounds beautiful. Karen, you should see if you can find a recording of Chanticleer singing an 'Ave Maria' (composed by Biebl) based on the Angelus. I'm surprised the parish didn't have incense today...most parishes are doing the High Holy Day Mass for All Saints Day today...

[Naomi4Christ]

25 in the congregation? That is not much bigger than a housegroup! How many had jobs to do in the service (I think it takes about 40 of us to pull off a Sunday morning in our church)

[Thomas2618]

25 in the congregation? That is not much bigger than a housegroup! How many had jobs to do in the service (I think it takes about 40 of us to pull off a Sunday morning in our church)

Every person that attends a Mass has a job to do. The main meaning that people give to the word "liturgy" today is "work of the people" I think.

[Naomi4Christ]

Every person that attends a Mass has a job to do. The main meaning that people give to the word "liturgy" today is "work of the people" I think.

Not quite what I meant

[gitlance]

Leitourgia. "The peoples' work."

[Naomi4Christ]

Not quite what I meant

[Thomas2618]

So are you counting the choir in the 40 people?

[Naomi4Christ]

Well, music group...

[Thomas2618]

Oh...I see. I've been to some very very moving services where there was no music and only 3 people led the Mass...

[Naomi4Christ]

Yeah, and you get moving housegroups too.

[karen freeinchristman]

Evensong and Benediction

Wow, this was it - the full smells and bells! :)
How to describe this... the Evensong portion of the worship was BCP, and we sung Psalm 82 (chanted, Tone VIII.2), and Magnificat (VIII.2), and Nunc dimittis (VIII.1), did the Creed, Versicles and Responses, and then came the Benediction part. More bells as the Blessed Sacrament is removed from the Aumbrey, and prayers and chants and more incense, and "The Divine Praises", and adoration of the Holy Sacrament. It was really very interesting to take part in this type of worship, which was really very new to me. I did feel slightly uncomfortable with some parts, but on the whole, I thought it was alright. If I had known the tunes (or tones), I would have felt more comfortable (I did actually know one of them). There were only 6 of us there, two women (including me) and four men (including two priests and an acolyte). This is a small parish, the population within the parish boundary is only about 3000, because there are a lot of shops as opposed to residences, so it's not surprising they have a small congregation. However, I have to say it, that even though the people there are friendly, I can't see this kind of worship being something that a 'seeker' could relate to very well.

[gtsecc]

I think a seeker might fall in love with the Chanting.
We actually have a lot fo members who had not been to church in 20 years,a nd fell in love with it, mainly because of the chanting and stayed to find Christ.

[Naomi4Christ]

Is the music led by a music group, or is it all a capella?

With six worshippers, or 2 if you don't include those leading, it was a good job you went along.

We don't have huge congregations for our evening services (maybe 100 tops), but DH & I went to another Anglican church last Sunday for an evening service. 1000, and we had to queue up an hour beforehand to get in.

[karen freeinchristman]

I think a seeker might fall in love with the Chanting.
We actually have a lot fo members who had not been to church in 20 years,a nd fell in love with it, mainly because of the chanting and stayed to find Christ.
The chanting part was good; Father Nelson has a lovely voice, but his acolyte was off key, which made it a little harder to pick up the tones. Even with just 6 of us it sounded like a CD I have of medieval chanting, all echo-y.


It was all a capella, Naomi.

[Fish and Bread]

There were more candles than I'm used to, and icons, and also during the Eucharistic prayers there was a little bell at one point.

You may already know this, but there is a purpose to those bells! Back when masses were said in Latin, they were rung right after the moments of consecration (i.e. "This is my body [and the end of the sentence]. *ring* Later: "This is my blood [and the end of the sentence]. *ring*") to call the people's attention to what was happening, since many of them didn't fully understand Latin. They were retained in some parishes because, well, let's face it, even though people understand English, a lot of times they still aren't following along that closely, or like a reminder of the solemnity of the moment.

John

[Thomas2618]

Yep...and everything in the High Mass has a very special and very meaningful purpose.

[AngCath]

Karen, sounds like you're describing what goes on at my parish with the icons and bells.

[SirTimothy]

The chanting part was good; Father Nelson has a lovely voice, but his acolyte was off key, which made it a little harder to pick up the tones. Even with just 6 of us it sounded like a CD I have of medieval chanting, all echo-y.

If you're doing acappella and you know someone if off-key, you need to gesture at them to shut up. Especially if they're part of the leading of the service...

Timothy

[higgs2]

If you're doing acappella and you know someone if off-key, you need to gesture at them to shut up. Especially if they're part of the leading of the service...

Timothy
That would be putting ritual over people. I think that would be just an awful thing to do. :o

[karen freeinchristman]

If you're doing acappella and you know someone if off-key, you need to gesture at them to shut up. Especially if they're part of the leading of the service...

Timothy
Although I can understand the sentiment, I don't really think this would be appropriate under the circumstances!

[higgs2]

Although I can understand the sentiment, I don't really think this would be appropriate under the circumstances!
What? You mean that you think it wouldn't be appropriate for you to do this at your first service in an unfamilar church among almost complete strangers? You think it might be a bit rude to gesture to the acolyte to "shut up"? So what if it humiliates the poor guy, better than singing off key. He might never sing again and then you will have done the world a great service. And made *lots* of new friends! Be bold!

[karen freeinchristman]

What? You mean that you think it wouldn't be appropriate for you to do this at your first service in an unfamilar church among almost complete strangers? You think it might be a bit rude to gesture to the acolyte to "shut up"? So what if it humiliates the poor guy, better than singing off key. He might never sing again and then you will have done the world a great service. And made *lots* of new friends! Be bold!

^_^

[karen freeinchristman]

I went to a new Bible study that this placement church has just started this evening. It was really nice. It's not meant to be a deeply in-depth Bible study, it is supposed to be an overview, for people who don't feel confident picking the thing up. There were 9 of us there, so that was a nice number to have. 4 men and 5 women. Everyone was really friendly to me, and made me welcome again (they all already knew each other, so I was the only new one there, except one woman was relatively new, I think). So, anyway, there was nothing particularly different about this compared to my home church. It got kind of exciting when one man started getting slightly defensive and hot under the collar when the man who was leading tonights study said that he doesn't think the Bible should be taken completely totally literally, as though God dictated it word for word while someone wrote the words down.

All in all, this was a good experience, and as it is weekly, I shall look forward to next week. This is one of the 6 'other' things I have to do to fulfill the requirements of the placement. This Saturday, there is a charities fair, so I am going to bake lots of cakes to bring to that!

[trooper]

I would pay good money to have your experience. Please appreciate it and keep on sharing!

We are woefully low church here.

[DarthDigger]

The choir sing in the Eucaristic in our church!

[junegillam]

wow! sending you big prayers for calmness and discernment, karen! how can I send you blessings, too, here in this web space?

with deep love,
your california mama
junebug...

hope i'm replying correctly? not sure which message will be quoted or how to get a nifty bible quote at the bottom of my own post?

my fav quote is from Matthew: Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (not to worry but trust God to carry you forward on your journey, dear heart).

xooxox

[karen freeinchristman]

wow! sending you big prayers for calmness and discernment, karen! how can I send you blessings, too, here in this web space?

with deep love,
your california mama
junebug...

hope i'm replying correctly? not sure which message will be quoted or how to get a nifty bible quote at the bottom of my own post?

my fav quote is from Matthew: Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (not to worry but trust God to carry you forward on your journey, dear heart).

xooxox
Great, Mom, now everyone knows you are my Mom! ;)

Love ya!! :kiss:

[svdbygrace]

Roflol! ^_^

Welcome to STR Karen's Mom! :wave:

[DarthDigger]

Great, Mom, now everyone knows you are my Mom! ;)

Love ya!! :kiss:


Dont worry karren,

My Grandad is on here somewhere!

DD

[DarthDigger]

he is called diggerman!

[karen freeinchristman]

Today I went to another of the 'other' activities of the placement church apart from Sunday worship -- a charity fayre. I spent the better part of yesterday evening baking cupcakes to bring, and this morning my kids frosted and decorated the cupcakes and we went along at 10:30 am to the fayre.
It wasn't too badly attended, actually, which was nice to see. There were quite a few people in the refreshments hall behind the church, but they asked me to take my cupcakes to the church nave, where the chairs had all been removed to make way for the fayre stalls. They were quite happy to see my cupcakes, because there were only two other cakes at the cake stall, so I scored a big point there! :cool:
The stalls were quite good, run by people representing some local and national charities. It was nice to say Hi to the people I recognised from last Sunday and from the Bible study last Monday. They were all happy to meet my two kids, too. I spent a lot of money buying Christmas cards, puzzles, toys and books. It was a little strange being there, because I don't feel like an ordinary church member, and that they are kind of sizing me up, which is natural, I suppose. I guess it's a feeling I'll have to get used to.

On the way out, the Church Warden (aka the organist, aka PCC secretary, aka Bible study leader) seemed to want to talk. He asked me what I thought of their church compared to my church, wondering if it is a lot different. I said it is not that different, that people are still people no matter what their church is like. He asked me if I thought they were irreverent. I thought that was a strange question, but he is the one who won't come in to do the Angelus and doesn't agree with Marian devotion... so not that strange a question. I just said that I am trying to withhold judgement, and that there is only one person who can judge (pointing upwards). I wished I could have chatted to him longer, but the kids were beginning to get impatient, so we left.

I am really looking forward to worshiping with them again tomorrow.

[TomUK]

Can't believe i missed this thread!

I really hoep you are finding your time there profitable. I attend both an evangelical and anglo-catholic parish, and it is amazing to see how much both churches actually have in common. Sadly most of the congregations in either church wouldn't dream of stepping foot in the other. I pray that through your experiences both wings of the church may begin to realise how much there is that truely unites them, rather then favouring the emphasis on what divides them.

If there is anything i may do to assist in your placement then please let me know. Otherwise may i assure you that my prayers are with you.

[karen freeinchristman]

I attend both an evangelical and anglo-catholic parish, and it is amazing to see how much both churches actually have in common. Sadly most of the congregations in either church wouldn't dream of stepping foot in the other. I pray that through your experiences both wings of the church may begin to realise how much there is that truely unites them, rather then favouring the emphasis on what divides them.
I think it would be wonderful if people would go and experience 'the other' for a time - it takes more than one visit, as well. This experience has definitely opened my eyes and broadened my outlook!

If there is anything i may do to assist in your placement then please let me know. Otherwise may i assure you that my prayers are with you.
Thank you, Tom! :)

[karen freeinchristman]

Today, the Second Sunday before Advent, was Remembrance Sunday. The 10:00 am service was a Family Eucharist with the Act of Remembrance which is observed in churches throughout the country. Eight Brownies were present, as were the Boys Brigade (made up of two girls and a boy!). There were 34 people in total attending the worship, up from last week! :)

The service this time was not very different from my home church. No incense this time, but we did hear a little gong-type bell during the Eucharistic prayer. Of course, the candles and icons are there, too.

The first hymn was "I vow to thee, my country". We did the Peruvian Gloria "Glory to God", which was nice. Also sung "God is working His Purpose Out", and "Peace, perfect Peace", "God Save our Gracious Queen" and "For the Healing of the Nations".

The sung parts of the Eucharistic Prayer (H) were sung to different tunes than I am used to, but I liked them. I think changing the tunes to routinely sung words can bring us to deeper understanding and appreciation of the words, even though it might be difficult at first to get the tunes.

I stayed for a cup of tea afterwards, but this time didn't join the group that does the Angelus (simply because I forgot about it, not intentionally).
The church warden and I had another chat, he had done the sermon (he is also a Reader), and we talked about the Bible study coming up tomorrow night. He said the last Bible study they had finished two years ago on a sour note, as some of the people got bogged down in disagreements about how the Bible is to be interpreted etc. :scratch:

Picked up a copy of 'Forward', the Fif newspaper, to bring home and read.

No evening service tonight.

[karen freeinchristman]

Today at 10:00 am we had the Procession and Festival Eucharist with Eucharistic Prayer E. There were about 36 people there today, including 6 children.

I brought my 9-yr old daughter with me today, and I was glad I did. It was a very nice service, with an extended procession at the beginning with lots of incense in celebration of the festival of Christ the King. The incense was wafted (I don't know if that's the correct term) by the acolyte in the processional, as the priest, acolyte, reader, and choir members (three of them), walked around the sanctuary and at the front of the nave. This church is unfortunately very short, due to money shortage at the time when the church was built :( . The nave ends at the transepts (i.e. it hasn't got the long part of the cross-shape that most catholic churches have). Consequently, the processional is not up the nave aisle, but begins from the transept door.

My daughter's interest was kept pretty well by the differences she could see with this church compared to our home church. At first, she said she thought she was allergic to the incense, then she said she rather liked the smell, then later she said she felt she needed to sneeze, but it wouldn't come out! :)

My daughter and I were asked to bring the elements up for the Eucharist, which was very nice. Also, my daughter enjoyed the difference of kneeling during HC, because we don't normally kneel at our home church (at the main family service, that is. The other two services do).

We participated in the Angelus this morning, too, which I liked. As I've mentioned before, the Priest has a nice voice for chanting, and since this was my second Angelus, the tunes of the responses were more familiar.

Afterwards, we stayed for a cup of tea. They don't serve coffee here, only tea for some reason. I thought it best not to ask; don't want to start any disunity problems concerning tea vs coffee! ;) One lady with whom I was speaking asked me if I was aware that this was an ABC parish (resolutions ABC, as explained in first post). I said yes, that the priest and I had discussed it before my placement began. She then began to tell me how she wouldn't mind a woman leading, that it would be preferable to a g*y person leading or becoming bishop. (please don't start debating this on this thread, I'm just relaying it as it happened). I was a little surprised at her position. I asked her what she thought of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and she said she liked him at first, but now thinks he sits on the fence more than is desirable. Anyway, they all asked me if I was coming to their social evening on Friday, which is a cabaret with a singer and a meal, but I can't bring myself to go because it is a Frank Sinatra type singer, not with a live band, with canned music accompaniment, and I just couldn't bear it. I feel bad about that. :sorry:
Anyway, I am going to their bible study again which is tomorrow night.

[Naomi4Christ]

I love reading your accounts in your AC parish, Karen. It seems like the congregation is very loving and accepting. :)

I was wondering if it was Christ the King today. I was listening in the collect to see if it was the same one that Pamela mentioned in the stir-up Sunday thread, and I heard references to Christ's majesty. Other than that, we didn't mention it at all. Today was our Mission Sunday.

[artrx]

You are in my prayers as well. I believe your open and inquiring spirit will serve you well and help you process the challenges you may face. I have been involved in a parish discernment committee at my church for a fellow parishoner who feels he is being called to the priesthood. Currently, we are writin up our report to the bishop. It is an intense process. I look forward to hearing more about your journey. Thank you for being willing to share your experiences with us. :)

[gtsecc]

November 20, Last Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 29):

Psalm 95:1-7 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&section=0&version=rsv&word=Psalm+95:1-7);
Ezekiel 34:11-17 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&section=0&version=rsv&word=Ezekiel+34:11-17); 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&section=0&version=rsv&word=1+Corinthians+15:20-28); Matthew 25:31-46 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&section=0&version=rsv&word=Matthew+25:31-46)

[karen freeinchristman]

November 20, Last Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 29):

Psalm 95:1-7 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&section=0&version=rsv&word=Psalm+95:1-7);
Ezekiel 34:11-17 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&section=0&version=rsv&word=Ezekiel+34:11-17); 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&section=0&version=rsv&word=1+Corinthians+15:20-28); Matthew 25:31-46 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&section=0&version=rsv&word=Matthew+25:31-46)

We had Ephesians 1:15-23 and Matthew 25:31-46, and as this service was from Common Worship, there wasn't a Psalm.

I am a little disappointed that I have to miss next Sunday (Advent Sunday) at the placement church - it is going to be a 'Solemn Eucharist', which sounds different, but I'm not sure how it is different. (I have to be at my home church that Sunday for the Confirmation of the young people, for which I have been helping in the classes and get to do the Chalice Assisting for their first Communion, so that will be special, too).

Maybe one of you can describe the 'Solemn Eucharist'?

[gtsecc]

Maybe one of you can describe the 'Solemn Eucharist'?
Solemn, I think, means the 3 sacred ministers: Priest, Deacon, Subdeacon.


http://www.saintignatiusnyc.org/images/ministers.jpg

[gtsecc]

Here:
http://www.theadvent.org/customry/censing.jpg

[karen freeinchristman]

I wonder how they will do this when there isn't a deacon or sub-deacon?

Must be something else. Nice pictures, though! :)

[gtsecc]

Here:
http://tridentine.catholic.org.hk/eng_index.files/image002.jpg

[gtsecc]

Here;
http://www.memorare.com/reform/trimass2.jpg

[gtsecc]

Here:
http://www.scottish-tridentine-mass-campaign.org/elevationcomp.jpg

[gtsecc]

I wonder how they will do this when there isn't a deacon or sub-deacon?
You can't.
Unless I am completely wrong.
High means it is sung.
Solemn means the 3 sacred ministers.

[karen freeinchristman]

You can't.
Unless I am completely wrong.
High means it is sung.
Solemn means the 3 sacred ministers.
Hmm... sounds like I have a good question to ask for next time, then!
Thanks, gtsecc!

[gtsecc]

Roman Catholics have done away with the Sub-deaconate; therefore, when they do a High Solemn Mass, someone besides the sub-deacon will read in his place.

[gtsecc]

You can do it with a Priest (or Bishop), a Deacon (or Priest), and a trained lay person.

So, you only need 2 Clergy to do it.

[gtsecc]

Missa Sollemnis -- Solemn Mass (or Solemn High Mass) is the most complete form of the Mass. It requires the assistance of a deacon and subdeacon and the use of incense. Other than the silent prayers of the Mass, nearly all of the parts are sung (including the scriptural readings). Even though this form of celebration is the least frequent (due to the amount of effort and number of people required), it is the norm for all the others.
Missa Cantata -- Sung Mass (often referred to as High Mass) is an approximation of Solemn Mass, the chief difference being the absence of the deacon and subdeacon (who aren't always in a ready supply, especially in smaller churches). Incense is optional, but the Mass parts must all be sung, as at Solemn Mass.
Missa Lecta -- Low Mass requires only the participation of the priest celebrant and a single server. The parts of the Mass are all spoken, no incense may be used, and there is neither deacon nor subdeacon. There's a rather broad range of celebrating this form of the Mass.

At the minimal end, the priest and his server are the only ones who say (and often the only ones who hear) anything.
In Germany, the practice developed of singing hymns during Low Mass, of singing vernacular songs that paraphrase the official Latin prayers of the Liturgy, and of having lay readers proclaiming the scriptures in the vernacular while the priest reads the Latin text at the altar.
Another form of Low Mass is the Dialogue Mass, particularly popular in the years before the Council and encouraged by Pope Pius XII. In a Dialogue Mass, the people make all of the responses together with the server, and they join the celebrant in reciting the Gloria, the Creed, and so forth. This was my own first experience with the Old Rite, and I felt as if I was participating as actively in it as I did in my normal parish Mass. Hymns might be done, as well.
The divisions of these forms of Low Mass are not strict, and one generally finds mixing and matching of styles, depending on the congregation.

[karen freeinchristman]

Tonight I went to a Bible study at my placement church. There were 7 of us there, a good number. As I previously have explained, this is a Bible basics course, giving a broad overview, not a minutely detailed study. We covered the first 11 chapters of Genesis tonight. I like both types of study, the excruciatingly minute-detailed kind and the broad overview kind. I thought that the Father did a good job at leading the study, explaining in quite a liberal fashion how we are covering some 'myth' territory (not to say it isn't true, but that it is a story used to illustrate truth). He was quite clear that his view of Genesis is not to be read in a literal fashion, which I agree. His views on the original equality of men and women and how after the fall one of God's punishments was to have men rule the women was interesting. He was saying how it is not what God originally intended, just like how in Genesis before the fall we weren't intended to die. But now, of course, we know that we are redeemed, we will have eternal life.

Anyway, I'm too tired now to be able to describe tonight very well, hopefully what I've already written has made sense. After the Bible study, when I came home, my son was feeling worse, with a very stiff neck, so we took him to the hospital to rule out meningitis, and yes, he is fine, it's not meningitis :crossrc: . So now it's late and I am going to bed! :sleep:

[junegillam]

Thank God Daniel was not sick with meningitis!!!!!! Glad I came here to see what was happening; will pray for his quick recovery, darling Daniel!!!!!! And so close to his birthday, too! Wow--

Daniel's grandmama, called mimi

Sending you all thanks for the notes in my message board, etc., don't know my way around very well to thank more directly.

love,
karen's mom, june

[trooper]

Brilliant post, Karen. So glad that you are learnig so much. And, of course, immensely pleased that your boy is well.

I have been reading quite a bit of the "separatists" blogs these days about how the Anglican Communion might turn out to be. There is a lot of talk about how the Evangelicals and the Anglo-Catholics have formed a "temporary alliance". There is also a lot of talk that after things calm down that these two separate entities (A/C and Evangelical) will have to split and go their separate ways. Do you have a take on that yet? Can the two live together or is it going to be the split?

I am interested in your thoughts!

Trooper

[karen freeinchristman]

There is a lot of talk about how the Evangelicals and the Anglo-Catholics have formed a "temporary alliance". There is also a lot of talk that after things calm down that these two separate entities (A/C and Evangelical) will have to split and go their separate ways. Do you have a take on that yet? Can the two live together or is it going to be the split?
I haven't heard anything yet from this Anglo-catholic parish that could lead me to an answer to this hot question, but I will try to bring it up in the conversation sometime! In my own personal view, though, the two entities are so different in terms of worship style and lots more, that it would be an extremely difficult alliance.

[karen freeinchristman]

I went to a 'Walsingham Eucharist' this morning at the church. This was held in their Lady Chapel, which has been dedicated to 'Our Lady of Walsingham' (Mary). It was a very nice Eucharist, only 5 people present, but I thought that was lovely. Something special about partaking in the Eucharist in a very small group. There was a social event the night before, which went kind of late, so that was why they were a bit 'thin on the ground'. There wasn't that much Marian devotion involved in the Eucharist liturgy; I was expecting more. I was glad that there wasn't more, though, because I wasn't sure how much I could do the Marian devotion and still remain true to my own beliefs. I still don't understand the terminology of Mary being the 'mother of God', but I don't want to debate that in this thread, because we have other threads where we have debated that one! :)

Again, the people there were very friendly and warm towards me, which I very much appreciated. I hadn't gone to the previous night's social event because it was a cabaret singer who does Frank Sinatra-type stuff, and I simply knew I wouldn't be able to enjoy it honestly. For me, that would have been very cringe-inducing!

I'm not at the Anglo-catholic parish tomorrow because I will be at my home church for a confirmation which I have been assisting with.

[junegillam]

Hi Karen, What sort of Marian devotion WAS involved in the Eucharist? I don't recall ever seeing any Marian devotion in the actual eucharist at St. Ignatius Catholic church here in Sacramento, is why I ask.

love,
mom

[karen freeinchristman]

Hi Karen, What sort of Marian devotion WAS involved in the Eucharist? I don't recall ever seeing any Marian devotion in the actual eucharist at St. Ignatius Catholic church here in Sacramento, is why I ask.
Hi Mom :wave:
At the beginning of the 'Walsingham' Eucharist, the priest said something about it being 'in honour of our Lady of Walsingham, Mary, Mother of God'. (Walsingham is a Marian shrine here in England). It was interesting because the first scripture reading was then John 1: " 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
This is why I have trouble with the term "mother of God", because obviously, in the beginning, there was only God, not God and his Mother.

It was a little strange to hear that this particular Eucharist, which they have once a month, is held to honour Mary. But it was still the body and blood of Christ. The actual Eucharist liturgy was the normal Common Worship 'B' liturgy, but the prayers included asking for the prayers of Mary and all the Saints, and also referred to her as being with Jesus now (as in having been assumed). And then, right after the Eucharist, we did the Angelus, which as I think I explained previously, is thanking Mary and saying the Hail Mary several times with various prayers in between times.

[junegillam]

Fascinating... I'll keep tuned...

xooxox mom
Happy First Day of Advent!

[Fish and Bread]

I hadn't gone to the previous night's social event because it was a cabaret singer who does Frank Sinatra-type stuff, and I simply knew I wouldn't be able to enjoy it honestly. For me, that would have been very cringe-inducing!

"I've got the world on a string...." ;)

(Just be thankful that I didn't sing that out loud. ;) I don't understand a few minor elements of singing, such as tone and melody. ;)).

John

[karen freeinchristman]

"I've got the world on a string...." ;)

(Just be thankful that I didn't sing that out loud. ;) I don't understand a few minor elements of singing, such as tone and melody. ;)).

John:D I am very thankful!

[karen freeinchristman]

This morning was a healing service. It was really lovely. Before Communion, we went up to the altar rail and had the laying on of hands and anointing with oil. I had brought a friend with me who was recently widowed, and she thought the service was really good, too.

As I hadn't been to the placement church last Sunday (Advent Sunday), I hadn't yet seen their advent ring. It has three purple candles, one pink one, and a white one in the middle. They have a child from the congregation come light it near the beginning of the service. I asked a couple of people in the congregation what the reason is for the pink candle, but they couldn't remember, and neither could I, from the advent ring thread we have going here.

Father Nelson has me down to do a reading next Sunday. Apart from once having brought up the elements for the Eucharist, this will be my only actual participation in the service during the whole six-week placement (leaving aside the fact that worshipping itself is participating in the service!).

Anyway, unfortunately I have to miss their monthly Evensong and Benediction tonight, because I am going to a carol service at my sister-in-laws village church in Wales.

[Naomi4Christ]

The big question that we are all desperate to ask is: could you make this congregation your church home, Karen? :cool: What is their children's work like, and their other ministries?

Do you know where you will be going next?

[karen freeinchristman]

The big question that we are all desperate to ask is: could you make this congregation your church home, Karen? :cool: What is their children's work like, and their other ministries?The answer to the big one is, I wouldn't make it my home church if I had a choice. If I had no choice, I would want to try to encourage the congregation to do much more in terms of mission and youth/children's work. As far as I can tell, their mission work consists of supporting local and national charities, and holding a Saturday coffee morning. The children's work is non-existant; I think there is one primary school in this parish, though.

Do you know where you will be going next?Yes, I have been told which church is my next placement, an Evangelical one in the next town, quite nearby. That placement will begin in February.

[Fish and Bread]

As I hadn't been to the placement church last Sunday (Advent Sunday), I hadn't yet seen their advent ring. It has three purple candles, one pink one, and a white one in the middle. They have a child from the congregation come light it near the beginning of the service. I asked a couple of people in the congregation what the reason is for the pink candle, but they couldn't remember, and neither could I, from the advent ring thread we have going here.

Believe it or not, the real answer has something to do with the Pope and a pink rose (Yes, the flower). The rejiggered version for the modern age, especially for those not part of the Roman Catholic Church, is that the pink candle symbolizes joy (I think... I might be mistaken).

John

[TomUK]

Believe it or not, the real answer has something to do with the Pope and a pink rose (Yes, the flower). The rejiggered version for the modern age, especially for those not part of the Roman Catholic Church, is that the pink candle symbolizes joy (I think... I might be mistaken).

John

I think you're on the right track there. From what i recall the pink candle is lit on the third sunday of advent, on a day called Gaudete Sunday. You may have heard the famous song 'Gaudete'. It's a Latin word which literally means 'rejoice'! It is celebrated at this point as we have passed the halfway point in advent, and we are rejoicing because the great joy that is Christmas shall soon be upon us.

I think i've got that right, though someone please correct me if i'm wrong!

[Filia Mariae]

I think you're on the right track there. From what i recall the pink candle is lit on the third sunday of advent, on a day called Gaudete Sunday. You may have heard the famous song 'Gaudete'. It's a Latin word which literally means 'rejoice'! It is celebrated at this point as we have passed the halfway point in advent, and we are rejoicing because the great joy that is Christmas shall soon be upon us.

I think i've got that right, though someone please correct me if i'm wrong!

You're right.:)

[karen freeinchristman]

I attended a Requiem Eucharist this evening at my placement church. It was being held on the first anniversary of the death of their previous church warden. There were 19 people there, including 7 family members and the rest were church members. It was not something I had been to before, and I think that as this is a very small congregation, it was probably not done in as grand a fashion as it would be at a larger church.

The liturgy was only a little different to an 'ordinary' Eucharist, with references to loved ones departed, etc. Other than that it was not very unusual or distinctive, I guess. The priest did his chanting. I like the chanting. There was incense. I have decided I am not too keen on incense (sorry to my Anglo-catholic friends). The man sitting next to me is usually in the choir. I asked him why he wasn't sitting up with the choir this evening, and he said it is due to the incense, it bothers his throat. I just can't really appreciate the way that it is ritualised - the priest makes a symbol of the cross over the incense, and he shakes the censer three times over the gospel reading, and the acolyte shakes the incense over the priest. I know it is supposed to symbolise the rising of prayer, but it just doesn't work for me.

Anyway, it was pretty clear that the family of the departed were not used to this type of service, but they seemed OK about it. They left quite quickly after the service though, and I went out soon after, to my car. I think they must have felt uncomfortable to a degree because they were all standing around in the car park talking, instead of having stayed inside to talk with the rest of the church members.

:sigh:

[TomUK]

I think therein Caron lies one of the key differences between the evangelical wing and the Anglo-Catholic wing (and i am somewhat biased, so you'll please excuse me if i favour the Anglo-Catholic side ;) )

Evangelical theology and worship tends to be focussed (on the whole) on advancing ones own journey with God. I do enjoy modern worship songs but they are so very centred on the fact that I will worship, I will bow down to you Jesus, I will open my heart to you in prayer etc. Anglo Catholic worship on the other hand emphasises the other end of the scale. I'm now thinking of that scetch in Monty Python ...
O Lord, You are so big, so absolutely huge. Gosh, we're all really impressed down here, I can tell. You Forgive us, O Lord, for this, our dreadful toadying, and barefaced flattery. But You are so strong and, well, just so super. Amen

The purpose of Anglo-Catholic worship (as i'm sure you've already found out) is not 'the relationship', thought that certainly plays a major part, but the attempt to convey how truely great the God is whom we serve. While naturally the church must remain accessible to those who are not familiar with its practices, our primary concern is to worship God in the most deserving way that can be mustered. Perhaps we may feel uncomfortable with some aspects of the service due to the sheer pageantryinvolved, but we must push that aside for this short space of time in order that we may humbly adore, prayerfully seek and lovingly glorify the great and wondeful God who is beyond our greatest imaginings.

I'm not in any way saying either view is correct- in fact as i said before both wings have much to learn from one another, but that is the way i see the difference. If someone disagrees with me then please do say however. These are purely the ramblings of a weary soul who urgently needs to get some rest!

[gtsecc]

Here is a diagram showing how censing should be performed:



I hope that helps.

[Naomi4Christ]

Evangelical theology and worship tends to be focussed (on the whole) on advancing ones own journey with God.

I've read this a few times on this forum and it makes me go :scratch:

[karen freeinchristman]

Thanks, TomUK, for your insight. I think both sides probably have serious misconceptions about the other, unfortunately. :sigh:

[svdbygrace]

I've read this a few times on this forum and it makes me go :scratch:.

[TomUK]

:D

What i meant there was that i perceive a fundamental difference in emphasis between the two wings of the church. The evangelical wing is very much there to introduce individuals to God. My perception of some aspects of the evangelical church is that they focus too much on breaking God into bitesize manageable chunks so that individuals greet God through the word and the worship. I used to emphasise this the fact that in many modern worship songs are very 'self focussed', and lnclude lyrics such as are 'I' will worship, 'I' will praise you, 'I' will let you into my life etc. Anglo-Catholics go the other way round. Rather than trying to bring God down to church, Anglo-Catholics try and bring the church up to God. Therefore for many, attending an Anglo-Catholic service could be a little unusual and maybe uncomfortable. However while it may be uncomfortable i feel it is the best way for we as the body of Christ to glorify and honour God.

Does that make any more sense? (you may disagree with me, but i'm just putting it how i see it)

[karen freeinchristman]

:D

What i meant there was that i perceive a fundamental difference in emphasis between the two wings of the church. The evangelical wing is very much there to introduce individuals to God. My perception of some aspects of the evangelical church is that they focus too much on breaking God into bitesize manageable chunks so that individuals greet God through the word and the worship. I used to emphasise this the fact that in many modern worship songs are very 'self focussed', and lnclude lyrics such as are 'I' will worship, 'I' will praise you, 'I' will let you into my life etc. Anglo-Catholics go the other way round. Rather than trying to bring God down to church, Anglo-Catholics try and bring the church up to God. Therefore for many, attending an Anglo-Catholic service could be a little unusual and maybe uncomfortable. However while it may be uncomfortable i feel it is the best way for we as the body of Christ to glorify and honour God.

Does that make any more sense? (you may disagree with me, but i'm just putting it how i see it)Yes, thanks for clarifying, Tom. (I understood what you meant the first time, but maybe that is helpful for others reading this). I can see why you feel Anglo-catholic services are the best way, and I respect that fact, and you share that view with many others on this forum, as you know.

I do disagree, but this isn't the thread to debate that in, so we can leave it at that for now! :)

[gtsecc]

A "personal relationship with Christ" is great, but not the be all end all of Christendom, which is about the corporate redemption of the created world.

[gtsecc]

I do disagree, but this isn't the thread to debate that in, so we can leave it at that for now! :)
But, the evangelical position is a new way of thinking about it.
The Anglo-Catholic position is echoed across Western and Eastern Chrisendom, and back through time. Maybe we can discuss that in a different thread.

[karen freeinchristman]

A "personal relationship with Christ" is great, but not the be all end all of Christendom, which is about the corporate redemption of the created world.All I have to say is that the misunderstanding lies in the belief that the evangelical wing is only concerned with individual personal relationships with Christ. That simply isn't true. The edification of the individual believer is for the purpose of equipping that person for mission, for outreach, for sharing the gospel with others, for sending them out in the power of the Holy Spirit to live and work to his praise and glory.
Anyway, like I said before, I would prefer to keep any actual debating that might arise from this thread in a separate thread. I could easily get carried away here, and that's not the purpose of this thread. Thanks! :)

[Naomi4Christ]

I do disagree, but this isn't the thread to debate that in, so we can leave it at that for now! :)

Sorry for building on the hijack - I will save my comments for another time.
:)

[TomUK]

:sorry: Sorry Karen, my bad!

[karen freeinchristman]

I love getting feedback/comments, though, so please keep giving them to me, stopping just short of debate! ;)

[gtsecc]

Karen, where do you think they will send you to Seminary?

[karen freeinchristman]

Karen, where do you think they will send you to Seminary?
Here in the Chester Diocese, one can do their ordination training on a part time course through the University of Leeds; the course is called the Northern Ordination Course. It takes three years. I would be on that course for the first year, but after that the course is changing, and so it is still a little unclear what will be the academic venue for the course. Probably Liverpool or Chester. Things are in a state of change (story of my life, really :) ).

[artrx]

I enjoy following your journey and it's a great way to generate new threads. I did not realise there was as great a variety in the English Anglican churches as there is in the US Episcopal services. Will your placements differ in terms of a rural and an urban parish as well?

[karen freeinchristman]

Will your placements differ in terms of a rural and an urban parish as well?
No, unfortunately not. It would be nice to be able to experience a countryside parish, or a big city parish. Both of my placements are in towns (two different towns, but they are very close).

[karen freeinchristman]

Today I went to the Christmas Coffee Morning at the placement church.

It was in the church hall, which they hope to be able to re-build soon with a grant. Coffee, tea, toast, cakes, a tombola (my kids won loads of things from the tombola!). There weren't too many there, about 25 people. They did have a sign out on the pavement inviting people in. This church could really do with some serious encouragement in outreach and engagement with the community, though. I feel saddened that really, that is the main thing I would say is lacking at this church, even if their style is not my style.

The thing I was touched about was that Father Nelson told me they prayed for me this morning at their 'Ember' service, which remembers people who are in the ministry or training for ministry. I thought that was so nice, considering they are not in favour of women priests (really, I think they feel the same as gtsecc has previously said, that they are only against it because it will make uniting with Rome more difficult, if not impossible).

[gtsecc]

Rome and the EO - impossible. Reunification with Rome is only a big deal in that it would encourage total reunification of the Church. If I had to reunite, there is no question I would rather us join the EO than Rome. But, reunification with both is really the goal.

One thing about style - I don't think an Anglo-Catholic would argue that they personally liked the style of service. I think they would say, God, likes that style. We offer incense to God because it is pleasing to him, not becasue it is pleasing to us.

[TomUK]

The thing I was touched about was that Father Nelson told me they prayed for me this morning at their 'Ember' service, which remembers people who are in the ministry or training for ministry. I thought that was so nice, considering they are not in favour of women priests (really, I think they feel the same as gtsecc has previously said, that they are only against it because it will make uniting with Rome more difficult, if not impossible).

I'd like to echo that sentiment, Karen.

I'm still not convinced as to what i feel regarding women Priests, but you remain very much central to my prayers. You're expierences and your thoughts have really challenged my beliefs and opinions, and while i'm not totally sure of what i believe regarding the matter, i do sincerely pray that God may be with you in all that he is calling to do you. Just by reading your posts i am certain you are being called to serve him, and i thank God for that fact.

:crossrc:

[karen freeinchristman]

One thing about style - I don't think an Anglo-Catholic would argue that they personally liked the style of service. I think they would say, God, likes that style. We offer incense to God because it is pleasing to him, not becasue it is pleasing to us.I can appreciate your conviction on this, gtsecc (and the conviction of fellow Anglo-catholics).

[karen freeinchristman]

I'm still not convinced as to what i feel regarding women Priests, but you remain very much central to my prayers. You're expierences and your thoughts have really challenged my beliefs and opinions, and while i'm not totally sure of what i believe regarding the matter, i do sincerely pray that God may be with you in all that he is calling to do you. Just by reading your posts i am certain you are being called to serve him, and i thank God for that fact.

:crossrc:Thank you, Tom. This means a lot to me.

[karen freeinchristman]

This morning it was a Family Eucharist at my placement church. It was unfortunate that there were no Brownies present, nor Boys Brigade, but it is a busy time of year, plus there are lots of bugs going around these parts. No incense today. It was my last 10:00 am service at this church, so I felt a little sentimental about it, but I am going to next week's evening Carol service, and to one more Monday night bible studies, so that helped me not to feel too sad. It's so wonderful how we can become so fond of people in such a short period of time when people make an effort to be warm, welcoming, and friendly, as these people have.

One thing I will take away from this worship is the different tunes which are possible for the response prayers like the 'Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy' one, and the 'Holy, holy, holy Lord' one and the 'Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world' one. This church seems to change the tunes more often, and I really have liked the different tunes that I have learned from this.
It's a good way of introducing a little variety.

I did the first reading today, which was 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.
It's a good reading to do, meaningful and short!

I loved the chant we did in between the first reading and the Gospel reading: Alleluia: Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus; Through you Gospel, let us hear you. Alleluia. come, Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus. Make us ready to receive you. Alleluia. It was lovely.

The sermon, which was written with the participation of children in mind, was really good, but quite funny having adults participate in the absence of enough children. Another thing I have noticed about this church, probably a product of it's small congregation, is that people are very participatory in the sermon, not reserved about speaking out, asking questions, and if anything goes wrong in the service, people have a chuckle about it. Today, a little three-year-old was running around back and forth at the front of the nave (pretty distracting), but then he walked up to the bottom of the steps of the sanctuary and placed his big teddy bear on the steps, and walked back to his seat, leaving his bear there! It makes me think that through all of the distractions we have in this life that keep plying for our attention, a continuous active decision must be made to keep our focus on Christ.

Anyway, I did participate in the Angelus in the Lady Chapel after the service, since this will be my last chance to do so. I can now see that there is no Mary-worship involved, and that it even seems comforting to ask for Mary to pray for us. I suppose I could say I have been semi-converted to at least be able to appreciate this.

:)

[gtsecc]

Wow. That makes me so happy! :)

[junegillam]

What a beautiful "space" for humans to communicate with respect to our various journeys and support for one another on the path God has for us. There is an interesting book about this sort of high-tech venue for spiritual discussion: CYBERGRACE: The Search for God in the Digital World.

I hope this is an all right post for this thread; just am grateful for all your contributions here.

Grateful for God's gift of life,
from
Karen's mom

[ContraMundum]

What a beautiful "space" for humans to communicate with respect to our various journeys and support for one another on the path God has for us. There is an interesting book about this sort of high-tech venue for spiritual discussion: CYBERGRACE: The Search for God in the Digital World.

I hope this is an all right post for this thread; just am grateful for all your contributions here.

Grateful for God's gift of life,
from
Karen's mom

Thanks....so glad to have you posting here. :thumbsup:

[Aymn27]

This morning it was a Family Eucharist at my placement church. It was unfortunate that there were no Brownies present, nor Boys Brigade, but it is a busy time of year, plus there are lots of bugs going around these parts. No incense today. It was my last 10:00 am service at this church, so I felt a little sentimental about it, but I am going to next week's evening Carol service, and to one more Monday night bible studies, so that helped me not to feel too sad. It's so wonderful how we can become so fond of people in such a short period of time when people make an effort to be warm, welcoming, and friendly, as these people have.

One thing I will take away from this worship is the different tunes which are possible for the response prayers like the 'Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy' one, and the 'Holy, holy, holy Lord' one and the 'Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world' one. This church seems to change the tunes more often, and I really have liked the different tunes that I have learned from this.
It's a good way of introducing a little variety.

I did the first reading today, which was 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.
It's a good reading to do, meaningful and short!

I loved the chant we did in between the first reading and the Gospel reading: Alleluia: Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus; Through you Gospel, let us hear you. Alleluia. come, Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus. Make us ready to receive you. Alleluia. It was lovely.

The sermon, which was written with the participation of children in mind, was really good, but quite funny having adults participate in the absence of enough children. Another thing I have noticed about this church, probably a product of it's small congregation, is that people are very participatory in the sermon, not reserved about speaking out, asking questions, and if anything goes wrong in the service, people have a chuckle about it. Today, a little three-year-old was running around back and forth at the front of the nave (pretty distracting), but then he walked up to the bottom of the steps of the sanctuary and placed his big teddy bear on the steps, and walked back to his seat, leaving his bear there! It makes me think that through all of the distractions we have in this life that keep plying for our attention, a continuous active decision must be made to keep our focus on Christ.

Anyway, I did participate in the Angelus in the Lady Chapel after the service, since this will be my last chance to do so. I can now see that there is no Mary-worship involved, and that it even seems comforting to ask for Mary to pray for us. I suppose I could say I have been semi-converted to at least be able to appreciate this.

:)
Great post Karen!! Thank you for sharing!!

[karen freeinchristman]

I forgot to report on my very last service attended at my placement church, last Sunday (18th)...

The service was called, "A Ticket to Bethlehem - A Carol Service Experience".
The church was re-arranged (a benefit of movable seats) to create 7 different areas, which were stops on our journey.

The Travel Details:
1. 600 BC. (approx) - Christ's birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah (this was a reading that I did, from Isaiah 9).
2. Nazareth - where the Angel Gabriel came to Mary
3. The road to, and inns of Bethlehem
4. Bethlehem - the stable and manger
5. The Hills - the shepherds and angels (my son and daughter amongst them)
6. The East - the wise men and the star (a true engineering feat!)
7. The Present Day - with an invitation to the Christmas services

As we travelled to each location, we would sing a carol reflecting that part of the journey. Then at each location, we sat down and listened to a reading, a reflection, and prayer.

Carols sung:
O come, O come, Emmanuel
O come, all ye faithful
The angel Gabriel from heaven came
O little town of Bethlehem
Away in a manger
Once in royal David's city
While shepherds watched their flocks by night
We three kings of Orient are
Unto us a boy is born
Joy to the World

It was a brilliant service, and it was all created by one woman who does the carol service each year (she is in the choir, and is also an acolyte).

A good way to end my placement. I shall miss the people there at St. Thomas the Apostle. After New Year, I still have to meet once more with Father Nelson, to discuss the placement and wrap up the report.

Thanks for listening, for commenting, and for being good! :)

[gtsecc]

Karen,
You ought to swing back and see them on their Feast Day, Wednesday December 21st.

[karen freeinchristman]

Karen,
You ought to swing back and see them on their Feast Day, Wednesday December 21st.Would if I could, but we're flying to my ancestral homeland (California) tomorrow morning!!! :)