We enjoyed a very special morning at St John’s Church, Waterbeach today. Whilst we live in the village, we are nevertheless, helping with Ministry (Pam, my wife is ordained and I am a Licensed Lay Minister) in the three edge-of-Cambridge villages to the immediate East of here: across the once great divide of the River Cam.
At one level, it was simply a joy to be among friends (a very special aspect of Christian fellowship that many people never comprehend), with whom we had been fellow-worshippers until 2015 when Pam retired. But it was much more than that.
In the chancel there was a banner on display for the first time.It has been lovingly restored by Beryl Flack (who, as a matter of interest, is the sister of the late Michael Forster, who was the editor of Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New published in 2000 but probably better known as the author of ‘I’m black, I’m white, I’m short, I’m tall’).
And there was more... We also sang a hymn, written for St John’s Day in 2021, by Canon Brian Mac-donald Milne, nearing 90 and one-time Vicar of the church. The text is below and we sang it to the well known tune ‘Epiphany’ (Brightest and Best)
This twin display of skills caused me to reflect afresh, on the beautiful surroundings of the medieval village church. All around us were displays of skills from various ages, stonemasonry, carved woodwork, intricate embroidery both from a very long time ago, and then, with a desire to see a piece of the fabric, that had been embedded in the more elaborate worship style of yesteryear, the refreshed banner. Maybe there are some men (and sadly only men) who would have remembered the boyhood sense of importance of being 'in the procession’. And Beryl’s work, not only can prompt such evocative moments, but also replicates the exquisite skills of embroiderers of the past. Not only is there all of that in the more recent (than medieval) history, but it would all - or at least most of it - been worked by hand to the glory of God.
But that is only to keep our eyes at foot-to-head level. Look up and there are wonders to be seen in the carvings from the tops of the pews right up to the supports for the roof, and not forgetting those extraordinary mosaics. Beryl’s work and Brian’s author’s art stand in this long line of glory-giving work stretching all the way back to the twelfth century.
One could then pursue thinking about the motivation of the patrons down the ages, some of whom lie only feet away and who must have shelled out mega-guineas to place God in the focal point of the village. Anyone care to estimate what it would cost tor rebuild in entirety today?
And all of that before lunch-time!
So, Here is Brian’s hymn and if anyone has noticed this little outpouring of praise, and feels they would like to incorporate Brian’s hymn in next year's 27th December celebration, Brian would be delighted if you would mention his authorship.
As so often happens in the aftermath of the great Festival of the Incarnation, we nearly didn’t go. We were so glad we did!
Trevor.
JOHN THE APOSTLE
John the beloved and dearest disciple,
You and your brother, the thunderous ones,
Followed the Master the moment he called you,
Your father Zebedee offering his sons.
You had been wondering who was this Jesus --
Andrew and Peter had showered Him with praise --
You had been following John the Baptizer,
Who called on people to change their wrong ways.
Listening to Jesus and His exhortations,
Relishing parables, following Him,
You sought the leadership in His new Kingdom,
Longing to serve Him through all of your days.
Brother James died in the King's persecution ;
Others who died had first fled from the Cross.
You the survivor gave care to Saint Mary
Comforting her in the hour of her loss.
You were the source of the last-written Gospel,
Full of reflections on glory divine.
Jesus the Risen One's own revelation
Calls us to follow Him through all of time.
Brian Macdonald-Milne, 2021
