It has been a memorable and uplifting few weeks for the Chapel Team, as we journey through Lent. We have shared some beautiful Services and there are still more to savour before the end of term.
The Chapel Choir offered their ‘time and talents’ to sing at the First Communion for a special group of Cheam Roman Catholics. The Service was celebrated by Father Zbigniew Budyn at St Frances of Sales Catholic Church in Wash Common, and we are grateful for his kindness and encouragement. It was a joy to be part of this poignant occasion alongside many families and their friends.
Last weekend, we gathered for our final Saturday Service of term, learning more about prayer and thinking of Jesus taking ‘timeout’ in the wilderness to prepare himself for his ministry. The Year 6 Choir performed A Child’s Prayer accompanied by a string quartet, with a fabulous solo and excellent harmonies. Later in the Service, a small Staff Choir sang Bob Chilcott’s setting of The Lord’s Prayer. It was lovely to see and hear them in action. I had the privilege of preaching and called upon the support of those children who have attended our Prayer Course this term with Mrs Deacon. My theme was ‘Father in prayer, I’m coming now to thee’. I outlined what we have discovered about prayer – ‘to keep it simple, keep it real and keep it up!’ and employed the mnemonic Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yes as means of inspiration and encouragement. This was also a lovely opportunity to share some plans for my forthcoming Sabbatical next term. I mentioned taking ‘time out’ with Dr B walking the Camino Primitivo in Northern Spain amongst other exciting opportunities for prayer and reflection, including the purchase of a new VW Campervan!
Next week, we turn our attention to our Passion Service at Cheam and then taking the Chapel Choir to sing Evensong at Winchester Cathedral on Wednesday. This will be a wonderful liturgical and musical climax to term. Singing Choral Evensong is a full-on and challenging project for the Chapel Choir, with lots of music to learn to support the worship. It is also such a privilege; to be part of that rich, spiritual heritage. I can’t wait to experience Evensong with this particular group of children. They have surpassed my expectations and are singing the complete Service in 4 part harmony – quite a fabulous achievement for Prep School children! All for the glory of God…..
My personal thanks to everyone who has helped and supported our Chapels this term – to all those children who have led our prayers and readings and sung in the various Choirs. Particular thanks to Steve Bowey, Janet Coxwell, Jonathan Coleman for their musicianship, Rob Neary for his technical expertise and Zoe Deacon for all her help crafting and arranging our Saturday Services to be so very unique and special.
Go well, as we look forward to Easter with such blessings!
