[Magdalen] Celebrating a mini list meet

[Suzie Buchanan]

Yes, Kristin, Bishop Ted's reading of the letter of institution was an
incredibly powerful moment - not just a formality.  I don't think I've ever
heard it read like that before.  And he did leave his book behind during
the renewal of baptismal vows, stepping forward into the midst of the
congregation, even physically leaning forward towards them, as he began the
series of questions "Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and
fellowship . . . ".

I chose all the music - and yes, those two hymns were in there because they
had become so important to me through the years, because of Deb Bly and
Magdalene.  (And we have Ana coming to St. Thomas for a weekend early next
year - I'll send more info about that later, as it will include workshops
open to everyone).  My organist tried to convince me that I had chosen the
wrong tune for "There's a Wideness in God's mercy" because nobody new the
tune I had chosen.  Nope.  That was what I wanted, and it was beautiful,
and the choir so appreciated getting to know that tune.

I was sorry you had to leave so quickly, and that I was so busy
pre-service, that we never got a chance to visit.

blessings
Susan

On Wed, Nov 19, 2014 at 9:00 AM, Kristin Rollins <kristin at verumsolum.com>
wrote:

> On Wed, Nov 19, 2014, at 04:04 AM, Susan Buchanan wrote:
> > I was so blessed to have Heather and Kristin join my parish yesterday
> > evening for our celebration of new ministry.  We sang Breathe on me,
> > Breath of God, and I was so sorry I couldn't catch Kristen's eye at that
> > point because I remembered singing it with her at the great Toronto
> > listmeet.  Thank you, my friends, for being there. I look forward to
> > being able to come visit you when I will have more opportunity to sit and
> > chat.
>
> Yes, it was good to be there. After finding the church and finding the
> parking lot entrance after dark, we made our way into the building and
> Susan was right there, about the first person we saw when we walked in
> the door. So we shared greetings and hugs and then we let Susan take
> care of all those pre-worship details, especially on a big night like
> that.
>
> Breathe on me, breath of God. That's the first time in ages that I've
> been really able to just sing it. Since we used a different tune in
> Canada, it is not familiar enough for me to sing anything other than the
> melody while I play the organ. And the other hymn from last night that
> is always tied in my mind to Deb & Ana is that tune for There's a
> wideness in God's mercy. And that may be the first time I've sung that
> in worship without being at the organ.
>
> I think there are three things about last night that stick in my mind.
> In the order in which they presented themselves to me last night, the
> first was the bishop. And I first noticed it at the part where the
> letter is read. And those letter-readings can easily feel like a painful
> but necessary formality, but not last night. It had a sense of
> importance that seemed to flow directly from the text of the letter and
> a reading that allowed us to take in all that was being said. The one
> other moment I specifically noticed from him was at the renewal of
> baptismal vows where I believe he left his book behind and ventured a
> couple of steps into the center aisle to engage with the congregation in
> asking the questions.
>
> The second was when the congregation was definitely reminded of their
> baptisms. And seeing how much Susan enjoyed giving us that reminder.
> (And making sure that those who were up near the altar at that point
> were not forgotten, also.)
>
> And the third would be the parish's tradition of adding a couple of
> gifts, beyond those that were formally presented, including a book with
> some advice from the younger members of the parish.
>
> Sadly, we slipped out quite quickly after the liturgy finished, because
> Heather had to be at work in the morning and we had almost two hours of
> driving to get home, but it was good to see you again, Susan. And I'm
> sure we'll see each other again before too long.
>
> Kristin
>