Summer worship

On the first Sunday during the ten days we recently spent in Cheltenham UK, we visited the Anglican church of St. Luke’s. Being a wet summer, we quickly became used to carting our umbrellas (umperjinks) as Rod nick-names them, around with us. There in the corner of the porch were umpteen (brollies) as I call them – so ours joined them too! But the weather did not dampen our spirits I’m glad to say. Rod’s son Marc joined us for this traditional service, and I must say we received a very warm welcome by everyone. It was especially wonderful to hear the many beautiful voices from the congregation accompanied by the organist playing a traditional pipe organ. Of course after the service there were numerous compliments about Rod’s singing voice, and needless to say they were disappointed that we were merely visiting their church and only passers-by. The Vicar was quite young and gave a very uplifting message, and we were very happy to join them in praise and worship to The Lord, and to see such a full church.

Our second Sunday service we attended in Cheltenham was at Holy Trinity, which although being Anglican was a complete contrast. Their music was provided by a group of young musicians; a couple of guitarists, a drummer, a young lady on the keyboard, and a singer – all of which blended well and suited the more modern approach to worship. Their guest speaker was a university tutor, and his presentation using an overhead projector and his exceptional message gave us great encouragement. The music was mostly from the modern mission praise books which I much prefer, and there was also a time of witnessing for Christ. Rod & I were amazed at the number of both young, middle-aged and elderly families attending this kind of service. Amongst them was a family recently returned from Oman with whom we had a chat after the service. The man told us that he is in the process of joining the ministry and that he knew Alan our Dean very well. Yet again it was a wonderful experience to be warmly welcomed to a packed church (upstairs and downstairs!) all enjoying true worship.

In our third week we visited my former church of St. Martins at Torquay. Again an Anglican Church but with a great difference as it has now become very ‘high’ with the swinging of incense what seemed like every 10 minutes. Father Gorran, the Vicar, is not only a close friend of mine, but is a great preacher; he has such a wonderful way with words and puts across a very valuable message of depth and understanding of the Bible. Gorran was delighted to see us both, and after the service we shared all our news over a cup of coffee in the church hall. But I had to say “please lessen up on the incense” - he laughed!

What a contrast in Anglican Church services, but then isn’t that what Christ enjoys, for us to mix and match, blend, pool our talents and resources, pour our rich seasoning into our Christian life! I would like to end by sharing with you that on one of our shopping days in Cheltenham – yes, yet another very wet day, brollie up and striding the precinct, all of a sudden I heard a loud speaker – following the sound I saw an elderly woman talking, and yes, she was reading the Bible (Genesis) to the crowds. I thought YES good for you, you brave lady! I had to pop into a shop and then had to find Rod. He said “you’ve just missed her singing hymns, with the people joining in”. Then I saw her seated so Rod & I went over and spoke to her and said how great to see such boldness for The Lord. We shared our love of Christ with much dialogue, and she told us that she and her husband now live in a motor home, going from place to place, towns, cities, and take in turns reading the Bible to the crowds. That is their calling and they respond.

Who says the Christian Church is in decline in the UK?!!!

I leave you with these questions: What is our calling? Are we responding to God’s call?
I pray that you have all had a safe, restful and relaxing summer.