It was a great pleasure to welcome Jenny Wade, a reader in training at S. Mark’s in Tunbridge Wells, on a placement at S. Barnabas’ this Eastertide. S. Mark’s has a very different tradition to ours and thus it was always going to present an interesting challenge to Jenny. What follows is her report to her supervisor, which she has granted me permission to publish. I think it is a very useful indicator to ‘us on the inside’ as to how we are viewed by visitors. Jenny writes:
I loved my placement, feeling most welcomed and cherished by the congregation…(there follows here some rather lovely words about myself which I feel a little self conscious to add!). The Easter experience was glorious! With the highs and lows of Palm Sunday and Good Friday, and the amazing experience of the lighted church (the exultet?) and Easter liturgy, I found the symbolism extremely moving and was profoundly affected by the sense of awe and respect engendered.
I loved the processing, and in retrospect had thought this might be somehow divisive in keeping the clergy exclusive. However this was far from the case and I loved the sense of involvment as we all processed together for the renewal of our baptismal vows. I noted especially the involvment of the children and how they were nurtured and cherished.
I also enjoyed the clear and direct sermons and the homilies by Father Ed. S. Barnabas is very clear in its objectives- no compromise, historically correct but somehow so very up-to-date. Emphasised by the general youthfulness of the congregation generally.
My involvment: I think I knew that I was not expected to preach during this experience. Father Ed invited me to offer the intercessions on the Monday and Tuesday evening services and to read during the Tenebrae service on the Wednesday. All good.
My conclusions: I feel so enriched by my time at S. Barnabas and will certainly return for the Easter experience and for feasts and saint’s days. Being happy with a traditional style of worship as well as that offered at my home church. I felt an even greater deepening of my connection with God at S. Barnabas, for which I am profoundly grateful.
Jenny Wade.
Well what a wonderful report. I publish it as a thank you to everybody at S. Barnabas. Thank you for your continued love, support and prayers. And don’t forget- ASCENSION DAY MASS is at 8pm tonight!!!
