Responses to Evelyn Waghorn’s letter in the June Magazine First response I am in complete agreement with Evelyn, as a choir member I find it most annoying that I feel I have to spend 3 hours at church on a Sunday morning. I know the clergy have to spend this time and more at church, but I already have to work 8.30 to 5.30 five days a week, and would appreciate some time at home with my family on a Sunday. I know too that I should want to spend this extra time with God, but he is with me every day. I know it might be said that my appearance in the choir is optional, but St. Philip's only has a small choir and I feel I am letting them down if I do not attend both services. (Most of the choir, feel the same way as I do) The hymns and atmosphere on the first service cannot be taken away as this is a way forward for growth at St. Philips, the second service SHOULD BE a said service for those who need it. Christopher has on several occasions agreed to consider altering the service. I hope other people can write to Christopher or respond to Evelyn’s letter. Janet Dredge Second response As a member of St Philips Choir I spend three hours at church on the second Sunday of each month. I like to attend the family service, because like Evelyn I enjoy the hymns and prayers chosen by the Brownies and Guides, but feel that because the choir is only small I must support Brian and my fellow members. I must admit that by the end of the second service my concentration is wavering. I too feel that a spoken service would be the answer for those who wish to celebrate communion. Janet Hope Third response In response to 'A letter from Evelyn Waghorn' I would like to add that the members of the congregation prepared to lead a second Sunday family service at St Philips, and also do the preparation for it, have grown over the years. This service offers the diversity for each leader to offer a variety of forms of delivery, also cooperation and community links with the uniformed organisations within our parish, and could perhaps, in time, be extended to other groups using the centres. I speak personally, and also for others, when I say that a lot is gained/achieved by the leader in confidence and deepening of their faith by service preparation and sharing with others. I led my first service with Barbara Cook (having checked with Janice Underdown it was all OK first!) but have subsequently prepared and delivered a service on my own with the guides (my thanks to Laraine Vowles). So, don't let us forget all aspects of our second Sunday family service and the many people who gain from it. Forth response I would like to thank Evelyn Waghorn for her comments regarding the second Sunday family service at St. Philip's I feel that this service is an important stepping stone for newcomers with its more relaxed and easily followed pattern of worship, far less daunting than a Eucharist service especially if you have no experience of 'church'. It is always an enjoyable and easily understood service for people at all stages of their Christian journey and should be valued for it's part in giving another dimension to our choice of worship styles in the parish. The hymns at this service are enjoyable as it is good to have some that we know. You can always tell by looking at the faces of a baptism party, after trying to sing hymns that even we don't know, that there is little if any chance of seeing them again. Chris and Steve Rose |