Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Faithfulness - is there any left ?


With plenty of examples where society is lacking in faithfulness (at home, work, society, relationships), Father Mark used the historical perspective of the inception of the feast of Christ the King to ask us to look at areas of our lives where our fidelity may be challenged. Indeed even before mass had begun, Choirboy's faithfulness to the Christian message was challenged by what he felt was an attack on his musical integrity. Wounded but unbowed, he ploughed on resolutely through the musical programme but did commit some howling chord errors during at least two muscial pieces - sorry folks. Musically we had a first for Holy Trinity, a piece of music by Delirious, a Christian Rock group. Choirboy modified some of the lyrics of 'What a friend I've found' and although his strat was slightly out of tune, Mrs Choirboy assures him that everyone joined in !
Entry Hail Redeemer King divine

Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth Alleluia

Creed Credo/I believe

Offertory Take our bread, we ask You

Holy Holy Newquay Mass I

Mem Accl Dying You destroyed our death

Amen

Lamb of God Newquay Mass I

Communion The servant King
What a friend I’ve found

Recessional Mine eyes have seen the glory

Sunday, November 18, 2007

The end of time - Are you ready ?



In a sermon that took in Bob Dylan (in response to Brian's Peggy Lee), pub quizes and in theological terms, eschatology, Father Mark challenged us in the run up to advent to ask ourselves some difficult questions. With December approaching rapidly, choirboy has had to give some thought to advent liturgical matters but we still managed a joyous mix of the old and the new even in the absence of Paul (on a trip to Merseyside).

Entry All creatures of our God and King

Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth Alleluia


Offertory All that I am

Holy Holy Newquay Mass I

Mem Accl Dying you destroyed our death

Amen Forever Amen

Lamb of God Newquay Mass I

Communion Father in my life I see


Bless the Lord my soul

Recessional Immortal invisible

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Remember, belief, Peggy Lee





Remembrance Sunday. Do you believe in God ? Is that all there is ?
It would seem to be quite difficult to bring these strands together, but Deacon Brian managed it whilst challenging us about our faith. Peggy Lee sang a song in the late 50s entitled 'Is that all there is?' and Brian used this song title to challenge whether or not we truly believed in God, Heaven and the resurrection of the body. Challenging thoughts. I wonder did he know that Peggy Lee had also sung another song 10 years earlier than 'Is that all there is?'. It was called 'Hallelujah, I love him so'. Perhaps this second song title provides the answer to the question that the first one poses.
Our music liturgy reflected the mood of the day and introduced our congregation to two Bernadette Farrell compositions in addtion to some old favorites including a stirring rendition of 'Abide with me'.
'Abide With Me' composed by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, though the lyrics are usually sung to William Henry Monk's melody, Eventide and this was the tune we used today. Lyte wrote the words to his poem while he lay dying from tuberculosis and lived only three weeks after its completion.
A number of parishioners will have noticed an odd facial growth on Choirboy's face - this is in aid of the Angela Harrison Trust, a charity set up to increase awareness of post natal depression.
Entry Meekness and majesty
Gloria
Alleluia Plymouth Alleluia

Offertory We come to Your table

Holy Holy Newquay mass I

Mem Accl Dying you destroyed our death

Amen Forever Amen

Lamb of God Newquay mass I

Communion God beyond all names

Jesus Lamb of God (V1-4)
Recessional Abide with me

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Respect for God's House


Father Mark's theme for today was that of respect - respect for God's House and the fact that we believe that Jesus Christ, body blood, soul and divinity is present in the form of the eucharist in our Church tabernacle. 'We come to Your table' a Choirboy composition echoes this sentiment (http://www.myspace.com/holytrinitychoirboy).
We must at all times be mindful of this truth and conduct ourselves accordingly - not as easy as it sounds sometimes, especially when the junior choirboys are playing up.
Our liturgy today was all the more joyful as we welcomed Maz back safe and sound from Afghanistan. It was great to hear her clarinet ! For the first time in a long while we had electric guitar (Paul) and synthesiser (Caitlin) for the atmospheric 'More love, more power' post communion. Our Gloria had less volume than normal owing to the fact that Choirboy posted the wrong hymn numbers - I guess that sometimes he just has too much on his mind.
Entry Dear Lord and father of mankind

Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth Alleluia

Creed Credo/I believe

Offertory In bread we bring You Lord

Holy Holy Newquay mass I

Mem Accl Christ has died

Amen Forever Amen

Lamb of God Newquay mass I

Communion Amazing grace

More Love, more power

Recessional Freely, freely