Consecration Service – a Server’s View
ON SUNDAY morning 30th September I was privileged to have the church to
myself whilst preparing the altar for the Consecration. At first I just stood
and marvelled at how beautiful the church looked, it had been cleaned and
polished and the floral arrangements were truly awesome!
By 2.15pm the church was already buzzing, everyone so keen to ensure that
the service went without a hitch! Cries of ‘Father Michael should we do this?’
‘Should we face this way or that way?’ Nerves were bristling, including mine,
having not been able to attend the rehearsal and, as crucifer, I had visions
of going the wrong way and every one (or no one!) following!! Soon the Bishop
and all the clergy, including past curates arrived – the two vestries were
somewhat crowded but everyone managed to get appropriately robed and in
position!
The service started outside with Bishop Michael blessing the church, and
those of the congregation who were able to processed into the church after
him. The church was packed and the combined choirs and congregation raised the
rafters with the first hymn! What a difference the lovely wooden ceiling makes
to the acoustics! The organ music, the trumpets and the singing all sounded
amazing! What followed, from the blessing of the four consecration crosses, to
the final blessing was to me a beautiful service that I would not have missed
for anything! Memorable was the singing of the second hymn, an inspirational
choice for ‘the glory of the Lord’ was shining all around.
As crucifer I sat at the front of the church where the whole congregation
is visible and it was lovely to see so many happy smiling faces! There was a
lot to smile about – the pulling together of so many people to make this
service a success. The Bishop and the clergy must take some credit but
gratitude and thanks must go to all involved in preparing the church and all
those who made and served the lovely tea and cakes!
Bishop Michael said St Nicolas’ had come of age and I think we have! St
Nicolas’ can be justly proud its new status.
Lorna Dymock (Lorna is seen
in these pictures carrying the cross)
Frances
Murton