Setting aside the service of Evensong which, for me, is the ideal form of worship (about which I shall write on another occasion) I thought I had better explain what I would like from a Sunday service.
This is set in an imaginery church which has bells, a choir and a decent organ (which does not have to be large)
- 1000 The bells start to ring. For now, assume that the ringing chamber is not in the church and the ringers' chatter cannot be heard inside: also, the bells do not hinder the pre-service music
- 1025 The organ starts to play some atmospheric music (and the bells stop).
- 1030 The choir and clergy process in to the Introit hymn
- 1034 Opening prayers from the Order of Service. No improvised welcome, chat, announcements, faffing about or unnecessary delay. This is important because I want to get on.
- 1037 Kyries, Gloria, Readings
- 1045 Gradual hymn
- 1049 (Timings are approximate) Gospel etc.
- 1054 Sermon
- 1103 Creed
- 1105 Intercessions
- 1110 Offertory hymn
- 1104 The Peace - but there will be no moving about, chatting, kissing, hugging. (I'm with Mrs Beamish)
- 1108 Eucharistic Prayer (Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei) etc.
- 1115 Distribution of Communion
- 1118 Communion Anthem (or hymn)
- 1123 Final Prayers
- 1125 Post-Commnuion hymn
- 1129 Dismissal
- 1130 Closing voluntary
What could be easier? Notices can be on a pew sheet which does not need reading out and there can be chatter over coffee in the church hall. We will have given an hour to God and we can get on with life.
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