Piano Recital at St Cuthbert's Elsdon

Over 70 people filled St Cuthbert's Elsdon on Saturday for a mid summer piano recital given by Richard Simmance. We were informed, entertained, moved and thrilled by his fine performance of pieces by Brahms, Debussy, Mozart, Gershwin, Ravel  and the less well known Manuel de Falla. A glass of wine, included in the ticket price, was enjoyed during the interval. The concert raised money for St Cuthbert's Church and a defibrillator for the village. 

Moments of concentration

A full Church

Interval 

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass (and mustard seeds)

In a previous parish I sang in the church choir. We had a very patient choir master who also directed the impressive local Choral Society - I think he saw his work with us as a charitable offering. Anyway, he informed me that I had a tenor voice. There was only one other tenor in the small choir - I followed him as I had extreme difficulty reading the tenor music line. If he was away I sang bass (with the bass voice) or just followed the melody line ......

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Notice this

A small group of dedicated parishioners cleaned up and 're-stocked' the noticeboard at St Francis, Byrness on Friday afternoon. The church is on the Pennine Way and it's good that walkers can see that the church is loved and cared for. Unfortunately at present the church is locked but we are working on having it open as a place of physical and Spiritual rest for walkers/pilgrims.

I came across the following short article on 'mindful walking' by Simon Parke. I have made some small changes to make it more appropriate for walkers. (The original can be found at http://tiny.cc/lpnexx

Here is my version, which we have put on St Francis noticeboard. 

Northumbrian Trinity

Members of the four Redesdale Churches shared in a 'Northumbrian Communion' at St Francis, Byrness on Trinity Sunday. The service was an adaptation of the liturgy of the Northumbria Community. The service was led by the Team Vicar. Lay reader Michael Nixon read and assisted at Communion, and Mari Mander led us in prayer. The were refreshments after the service. Click here the text of the sermon.

A comfort and a challenge

The Gospel reading in Sunday's service tells part of Jesus' prayer for his disciples prior to leaving them and returning to his Father in heaven. It's both comforting and challenging to know that Jesus also prays for those who would follow him today. This is one of the themes of this week's sermon which can be found by clicking here or the 'Sermon Archive' link above.
Do you believe Jesus prays for you? What difference does that make to your life?

Guard duty

Given a tour of Otterburn camp today and met some of the MOD and Landmarc  staff. No military activity at present as its lambing time but some big exercises coming soon! Saw these two on the verge just by the entrance. Old hand and apprentice. 

Northumbrian Evening

Monday evening brought to a  happy conclusion the Cuddesden pilgrimage to our deanery. Everyone brought some food and the entertainment was provided by the Tarset Ceilidh band and the Adamson family clog dancers. The pilgrims said Morning Prayer at St Cuthbert's Elsdon on Tuesday before beginning their journey back to Oxfordshire.