It has been a productive year for the group, a year in which we have continued to develop a real passion for worship and have begun to further explore our musical gifts.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported the music ministry at the 9:15 services over the last year and look forward to worshipping with many of you again at the new 10:30 service. There will invariably, be a shuffling of musicians as the new service times commence but I sincerely hope that you all feel valued and that you have something to offer at the services you choose to support. Also, let us remember that there is always room for flexibility and I am aware that Simon wishes for there to be more opportunities for musicians and singers to interchange between the services.
This year is a year for change as a church, as a group and as individuals. With the new service times, the arrival of the screens, the setting up of ‘Our Groups’ and the personal challenges explored during the Lent course we find ourselves unable to remain the same. We are called into a deeper relationship with God and called to be God’s people in the community and throughout the world. I think that this provides the musicians at St. James with a really exciting opportunity to journey forward with God as we bring our love and our gifts afresh before Him. We pray that His Holy Spirit will continue to guide us through the year ahead and show us how to worship God in new and innovative ways.
Last August, at the flower festival, we sang a programme based on songs from around the world. It included songs like ‘Land of my fathers,’ ‘Shenandoah,’ ‘ Waltzing Matilda’ and ‘Siyahamba.’ Thanks again to Lesley who did so much to help organise the programme. In addition to this we also sang at Castle View and Parkside.