In place of the set psalm this week, we find a reading of that lovely poetry of The Song of songs, or of Solomon. It's a small emotional poem of love and devotion: Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among … Continue reading Song of songs, 6 July 14
Category: Songs
Psalm 23, 11 May 14
The 'Shepherd Psalm' needs no introduction or commentary here, so none is offered. If you have the vague feeling that you have read that somewhere previously, it's just the post for 30 March, unashamedly copied almost holus-bolus. Music You may imagine this psalm to be irrevocably associated with Jessie Irving's famous tune CRIMOND. This week however, not the … Continue reading Psalm 23, 11 May 14
Psalm 118, 13 Apr 14 – Palms
An educational sign in the new Red Garden of our wonderful National Botanic Gardens tells us they are not sure if palms growing in remote corners of the Kimberley, like those depicted here, were native to Australia or imported with aboriginal people many thousands of years ago. Apparently there's 'some debate' about it. On the other hand, another sign only … Continue reading Psalm 118, 13 Apr 14 – Palms
Psalm 23, 30 March 14
The 'Shepherd Psalm' needs no introduction or commentary here, so none is offered. Music You may imagine this one to be irrevocably associated with Jessie Irving's famous tune CRIMOND. This week however, being the last Sunday of the month, we take advantage of the presence of a male voice quartet to do something different. Remaining respectful … Continue reading Psalm 23, 30 March 14
Mystery mediaeval music
Quiz of the Season. Thank you ladies and girls for the rendition of the Magnificat today. So, over half-way through Advent and just when you thought it was safe to open the mail, here's a twister. What is this early chant all about? (I won't ask if you can sing it) Of course, after our … Continue reading Mystery mediaeval music
Modernised chant
In a previous post I noted that this week we use a John Bell tune to sing Canticle 9 from Isaiah with the children. (The canticles sometimes replace or appear with the psalm set in the lectionary.) Anyone at all is welcome to join us to help us lead the 'Hallelujah for evermore' response. This … Continue reading Modernised chant
Psalm 98, 10 Nov 13
It's easy to pick a good verse for the antiphon this week. Verse 1 says: Sing a new song to God, who has done marvellous things. We are to be blessed on Sunday 10 November with another visit by The Gospel Folk, ably directed by Brian. For their last visit over a year ago now, … Continue reading Psalm 98, 10 Nov 13
Taizé, 6 Oct 13
The service on Sunday 6 October will be after the meditative Taizé tradition. The ecumenical Taizé community is in a village in France, not far from the ancient abbey of Cluny. Here, it's not only the bells at the entrance to grounds that interrupt the meditative silence. Despite the placards inviting arriving worshippers to leave their chatter … Continue reading Taizé, 6 Oct 13
The feather flew
The feather flew, not because of anything in itself but because the air bore it along. Thus I am a feather on the breath of God. - Hildegard of Bingen Word and song from a thousand years ago flew easily and lightly again today, carrying our imaginations and spirits with them. We are grateful for all … Continue reading The feather flew
Hildegard, 22 Sep 13
Chant after Spiritui sancto, a song about St Ursula and the eleven thousand virgins, by Hildegard of Bingen, for 22 Sep 13. To be presented by a women's group, accompanied by hurdy-gurdy, recorder and percussion, and with readings from the works of Hildegard. Download> LISTEN>
Psalms in the South 