Yesterday evening I did something that I haven't done for decades; I went to church.
As you can see by the above, it was the evening of our nearby church's service of 'Lessons and Carols', and this year I was determined to go.
There were lit candles around the capitals of the huge stone pillars, and we all held small lighted candles. There was a beautiful atmosphere, and the singing was fine. We sang Once in royal David's city, Unto us a child is born, Silent night, Ding dong merrily, O come all ye faithful, and Hark the herald-angels. The others also sang one or two that I didn't know; I abstained. For a small church the quality of the singing was very good, but maybe the choir's inventive descants were a tad optimistic!
The service lasted about an hour; just right. I had a pleasant chat with Fr Dominic on leaving, and we returned home to a welcoming glass of wine and a simple supper.
I'm now looking forward to 'Carols from Kings' on Christmas Eve.
I hope to go again next year; I enjoyed it.
I don't know what's happening in Churches here, but I do know the annual Carols by Candlelight usually held in a park is not happening here, same as it didn't happen last year. Apparently we can't gather in crowds like that because of the virus. Yet thousands are allowed to sit in the stands and watch football and cricket matches. Nightclubs are open for business.
ReplyDeleteWe had to wear masks, which was unpleasant, and there was hand sanitiser at the entrance. The church wasn't over-filled, and we sat away from the main body of people. All we can do now, is hope that there were no infected people amongst the others.
DeleteInfected people should be no worry to the vaccinated and you had your mask as backup.
DeleteSorry, Adrian, that is where the vaccinated fall at the first hurdle - and misinformation is rife.
DeleteThe mask is there to protect OTHER people from being infected by YOU. People got that part of prevention at the beginning of this whole saga. Now they seem to think wearing a mask protects THEM! Vaccinated people can still spread the virus. Vaccinated people can still catch the virus although maybe won't get ill to the degree that they need to be hospitalized.
You know what frightens me? That false sense of security that being "vaxxed" gives a lot of people.
Anyway, good luck to all; there is peace in being oblivious.
U
Nothing like 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' to get the lungs working.
ReplyDeleteIt's a belter, and the organist usually builds up to a 'roar' for the final verse. Good stuff.
DeleteI would happily go to church to take part in that Christmas service. It's a part of Christmas I do miss. I'd be belting out the carols in my very off key voice
ReplyDeleteI tried to do the same, but it's not easy with a wretched mask!
DeleteThat's how churches get you in. Take care. I don't want you to be quoting bible verses at me. The church looks very nice, but I would expect that in Brighton.
ReplyDeleteIt's OK, I had a clove of Garlic around my neck.
DeleteThe church is so beautiful, it really sounds like a very special evening.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very nice Church. Most is Victorian 'modernisation', but it still has a great charm about it.
DeleteI'm guessing that is Saint Nicholas in Brighton. I have never been inside even though I have lived in Brighton for 75 years, I will now, its beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBriony
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We live within a stone's throw, but this is the first time I've been to a service. It was very nice.
DeleteSounds atmospheric, Cro. I don't like singing myself but like listening to it. Carols have potential to move me to the point of tears as they remind me of my childhood.
ReplyDeleteAs I know most carols and folk songs by heart I can mouth them when put on the spot in company, without anyone giving me funny looks. A bit like the Vater Unser/Lord's Prayer.
According to my music teacher, an opera singer, who, in my late teens, drafted me into the school choir by emotional blackmail and flattery, deemed me an Alto and would, occasionally, put me into the boys' section (we were always short of boys as choir wasn't mandatory). She clearly saw something in my voice my family, Christmas Eve under the tree, didn't quite hear. But then they wouldn't know a sow's ear from a silk purse.
Ding dong merrily on high,
U
I've enjoyed singing all my life. I was a chorister when I was young, then was later at a very music-orientated school. I also sing around the house!
DeleteOur Primary School singing teacher sent me out of the room to stand with the rest of the non chosen who also couldn't sing.
DeleteI like a good sing, me!!
ReplyDeleteSongs I can belt out because I know them....
and then some choirmaster uses a tune you don't know for a song you know off pat.... and usually everyone starts looking at each other.... often with much shrugging!
You said yesterday:
"There's no mistaking it; we're in for plenty of belt-loosening and indigestion."
Hope you've stocked up on the Rennies....
{Now available in France... that's a blessing!!}
Funnily, I bought a big box of Orange flavoured Rennies this morning; just in case! Yes, I don't like it either when they change the tunes of well-known songs. Last night they were all traditional, but a couple I didn't know at all.
DeleteI have watched abd listened to Carols from Kings as far back as I can remember. It starts Christmas for me.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love it too. Not to be missed!
DeleteA candlelight service in an old very traditional church is perfection. I love the atmosphere and this church seems just the right size for an intimate caroling experience for all.
ReplyDeleteAnd being a tad 'Catholic leaning' we had incense to tickle our nose-buds. All rather nice.
DeleteThat church is beautiful. How lovely to attend the candlelight service and sing those hymns. My church is the opposite in appearance, more like a huge auditorium, none of the charm but still lots of spirit. About 200 attended yesterday, lots of hymn singing.
ReplyDeleteI attended one of the world's most ancient schools (founded in 960) that was attached to one of the UK's great medieval cathedrals, so I have quite a history of singing in wonderful buildings. I love them.
DeleteI'm not a church goer either but I'd also enjoy a night singing Christmas hymms. It sounded like a wonderful evening. Back in my youth, I sang Silent Night one Christmas Eve with my church choir. Our performance went over well at the time. To this day Silent Night, sung well, still makes the hair go up on my arms.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great song, and its history makes it even more fascinating. Yes, I love it too.
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