19/10/04
Have returned from the funeral of a wonderful lady. I went back to my "old" church for it, and was not really surprised to see that nothing had really changed - although a funeral is deceptive, attendance wise, there were no new faces, and one or two old ones missing. Great Rissington church will fall in the next decade.
This of course brings me to ask if that's a good thing. It is doing little or nothing for the vast majority of the local population, but if it only helps a few, then I suppose that is enough. When those few become too few to maintain a church, in the conventional sense, they could start a house/pub/sewer church, I can't see that particular group having the physical energy, or (I hate too say) vision, to do so, and I would in fact question it's effectiveness for them - these are people for whom traditional worship styles are more or less essential. So, is the CofE abandoning them when, inevitably, the church either amalgamates with another local parish (meaning far fewer services and no range of styles from which to choose), or disappears entirely. And if so, what should/could they do? Better question, what would I do in the same position.
OK, at least one answer - I wouldn't have invested in arms companies...
PS - I hope I haven't stereotyped or misrepresented the congregation of Great Rissington, I think I've been pretty accurate. Not that any of them are going to
- know where my site is
- visit if they did
- OWN A COMPUTER
18/10/04
I was wrong - I have got some sort of major role, but have a second audition to see which. However, I suppose I have to hope I do not get the role of Jesus, as the only major role my sister could get is Mary Magdalene: if you know the story used in the musical (somewhat different to the bible), you will understand the problems this might cause...
Off on my Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition to Exmoor on Wednesday, snow predicted ;-). it really is a wonderful thing, DofE - while on occasions in the black mountains (the scary name is justified) I did feel suicidal, but at the end of it all the sense of achievement is monumental, and is something which teenagers would never experience without the award. So my congratulations to the duke!
15/10/04
Sorry I haven't spoken recently, my imaginary visitor-friend.
Since I last posted I have been engaged in all sorts of nefarious activities. My school's concert band has had the gained four flautists (flute players). This for me is a double edged sword - whilst it makes everyone's part easier, it also means I'll have to wait another year before I play the first part.
I have auditioned for the school production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and, by the sound of it, not got a major role - even though I thought I did quite well in the audition. the advantage of this, of course, is I have more time to spend on work for GCSEs. One of the disadvantages is that I have more time to spend on work for my GCSEs...
I discovered, shortly after returning from Italy, that my church has closed :-( :-(, but hopefully it will return in the not to distant future :-)
These posts are getting longer and longer - or is this just cos I haven't said anything for a while...haven't said anything interesting now...
2/10/04
Have just got back from Italy tour with school Music department. I had a wonderful time, despite there being P.E. teachers involved ;-). Not only did we play 5 concerts (all very different to the conditions we are used to), but we were also able to get to the beach, the excellent ice cream shop (7 times), and a very fun renaissance garden, complete with hidden water features.
The families with whom we stayed were not only very welcoming, but made a tremendous effort with their English as well - which almost made me regret how little I care about languages at school...
Overall, possibly the most fantastic time I have had on a school trip, ever.