Anybody there ?

Lent is approaching and today Bishop Christopher reminded us of the three pillars of Lent; fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Bishop Christopher wasn't actually at Holy Trinity but we were treated to a pastoral letter read by Father Brian. You can find the full transcript via the following link: - http://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/

Writing this blog is a bit like writing a diary, except that generally we want our diaries to be private - hence the title. The blog is getting very few hits (most of them probably accidental) but I will plough on as, like a diary, it is occasionally useful to reflect on what we have done. Musically today we were short of numbers but it was great to see Derek back.


Entry Lord of all hopefulness

Gloria Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth Alleluia

Creed Credo/I believe

Offertory This is my body

Holy Holy Gathering Mass

Mem Accl Lord by Your cross

Amen Amen - We lift our hearts

Lamb of God Newquay mass (ii)

Communion Oh the word of my Lord

Ubi caritas

Recessional Freely freely

Healing

At this point in the liturgical year, we have been hearing about Jesus' healing ministry - today it was the healing of a leper. Jesus charged the man to tell nobody about the miracle, but he couldn't help himself. Father Brian contrasted this with our modern day passivity in the face of a secularist onslaught and general rubbishing of our faith. We were urged to be more robust in the face of some of the insults to our beliefs.

Entry Lord of the dance (V1-3)

Gloria Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth Alleluia


Creed Credo/I believe

Offertory One bread, one body

Holy Holy Gathering Mass

Mem Accl Lord by Your cross

Amen Amen - We lift our hearts

Lamb of God Newquay mass (ii)

Communion Oh the love of my Lord

Lord I am not worthy

Recessional I watch the sunrise

As miserable as sin.........

We were reminded by Father Brian today of some of the difficulties in the Old Testament. This was illustrated by a particularly miserable first reading from the Book of Job. We were also reminded of the Old Testament interpretation of illness and misfortune as punishment for sin/wrong doing. The promise of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has liberated us from this narrow scriptural view.

Musically today we opted for some traditional hymnody as we have been unable to practice for the last few weeks through a combination of weather and illness. Various musicians and choir members are still absent through illness and we wish them a speedy recovery.

Finally we retired to the hall for an auction of unwanted Christmas presents. After reviewing the items for sale Mrs Choirboy was prompted to ask 'which Christmas ?'

Entry My God accept my heart this day

Gloria Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth Alleluia

Offertory All that I am

Holy Holy Gathering Mass

Mem Accl Lord by Your cross

Amen Amen - We lift our hearts

Lamb of God Newquay mass (ii)

Communion Lay Your hands

Father in my life

Recessional Oh Lord my God

Authority !

Father Brian reminded us today how we can recognise the authority of Jesus' teaching, illuminating his homily with a story gleaned from the internet. This went well which is something that didn't quite happen to our first hymn as choirboy had inadvertently posted the incorrect number at the front and side of Church. At least we had a full compliment of musicians - one organist, five guitarists, two recorder players and a flautist - which was fantastic. We were also flattered to have thanks from a number of visitors who enjoyed our liturgy.

Entry This is the day

Gloria Gloria

Alleluia Plymouth Alleluia

Creed Credo/I believe

Offertory Take our bread

Holy Holy Gathering Mass

Mem Accl Lord by Your cross

Amen Amen - We lift our hearts

Lamb of God Newquay mass (ii)

Communion There is a longing

Recessional All the world belongs to You