With the longest night of the year behind us, complete with heavy rain storms, it's a relief to think that days will gradually get longer, even if the evidence for this is often obscured by banks of low cloud. I just had one eight thirty service this morning at Llandaff North again, and later went with Clare to St Catherine's where for the second time this month there was a baptism during the Eucharist. It's a reflection of a local population with a significant proportion of young families, and the warm welcome they receive from the church.
After an enjoyable Sunday lunch of swordfish steaks, perfectly cooked brown rice and brussel sprout leaves, followed by apple crumble, Anto drove back to Kenilworth for two more days in the office before he starts his Christmas break. Kath, Rhiannon, Rachel and I went to St John the Baptist City Parish Church for their Nine Lessons and Carols. It was lovely to hear the bells ringing out above the traffic as walked up Quay Street from the bus stop.
The choir sang well, and we sang along enthusiastically to the usual set of hymns. Interestingly enough there were about eighty people present, much about the same number as it was when I first arrived twelve years ago. Despite all the talk about church in decline, and despite the considerable difficulties for people getting to services inside the pedestrian precinct on a regular basis, the effort made for special occasions remains quite constant, both on the part of the congregation preparing and publicising the service, and those in the wider constituency of visitors and residents wanting to worship in the heart of the city.
It was great to be able to greet all our old friends in the congregation personally afterwards. I love just being there in the congregation with nothing to do except pray and enjoy the building. It still feels like home for me, a place to refer to, to come home to when my locum duty travels are done.
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