I love Rutter's arrangement of the Aaronic blessing, and I am enjoying learning the alto part to sing along with our 'Occasional Choir' for Pentecost. My ability to sight read is reasonably good, but my ability to pitch is not, so I am very grateful for note-bashing videos (what did people do before such things existed?) and also for backing tracks that allow my test out my singing with a little more of challenge.
I think I have nearly sussed the 'Amens' (probably the most challenging rhythmically since all four parts are very different) but still wobble off key in the middle.
It's fun giving it a go, and I am grateful that people are willing to give it a go.
Three months ago, the specialist vet described Sophie as 'a very sick pussy cat'. After a raft of tests, we worked with our regular vet and, finally, after three months Sophie is now collar-free and (so far) not over-grooming. She will be on meds for the rest of her little pussy cat life, but she seems to be happy and, overall, healthy.
When I took her with me to church on Christmas Day (the vet said she should on no account be left at home) I wondered how much longer we might have... as we pass Easter, I know she's a senior cat with conditions that will eventually catch up with her, but she has a good quality of life, at least for now.
Maybe that's some sort of parable or something - about not changing the overall trajectory but at least making the most of the the here and now - and maybe it's just an excuse to put more cat photos on the internet which is, after all, why it was invented.
Yesterday we had a joint service with or Methodist neighbours, with them coming to us for Low Sunday. A month ago we went them. Both services were well-attended with similar numbers from each, small, church, and both services seem to have been well-appreciated.
There is much to reflect upon going forward, but to me it felt that this was a glimpse of a new possibility, a small green shoot that, if carefully nurtured, could become a good thing... nothing too threatening to wither congregation, just a sharing of resources and mutually supporting and encouraging one another... each congregation having a few services where all they have to do is 'show up', a time to draw breath and receive, and each congregation being able to be part of something a little bit bigger, broader, and more wonderful.
Scratch/scraper art crosses for the intercessions worked well - both congregations are used to intercessions led from the front and are uncomfortable even being asked for prayer requests, let alone praying aloud, but they really engaged well with small groups being invited to 'scratch' their prayers in words or symbols onto the crosses, which they then placed on the Communion Table along with the offering.
Yes, there are things to learn, to do different or better. Yes, there bits that went wrong - there always will be. Yes, some people don't/won't go to the other church (so they get a week off, so what?!). Overall though, a good thing and, imo, worth doing more of.
