A Great Evening - and a Good Morning

Went out with Bob last night to the De Montfort Hall in Leicester for the 22nd Annual Christian Praise celebration. Some of our friends from church were in the choir, and a large contingent of church folk had gone along - but we were not with them. We'd been invited to the Ministers' Reception - so arrived early and were taken to an anteroom for 'light refreshments' and an opportunity to meet and chat with other ecclesiastical types. Met up with some old friends, and made some new ones - and wondered how we came to qualify for this treat. It was at least real conversation with people, not social small talk.

The evening was great. The choir and music group were superb, the drama was thought-provoking, and I enjoyed listening to Steve Gaukroger speaking on "What is the point of the Church?" - it fitted in so well with Bob's current sermon series on evangelism. Steve has recently left his church to become fulltime director of Clarion Trust. [sorry the photo is small - but he is a very small chap!]

The singing varied between contemporary and older pieces- upbeat tunes and Victorian hymnody. We sang one older piece I am particularly fond of [read the moving story of how it was written here]

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

Another highlight of the evening was watching the two ladies who were signing for the deaf. It wasn't just that they moved their hands so skilfully, but their facial expressions were wonderful at conveying the meanings too. In the hymn above, I thought the lady was going to explode with sheer joy at one point!

This morning I have done a day's Supply Teaching, with a lovely class who were bright and responsive, alongside colleagues who were friendly and supportive. Feeling very bright and cheerful and grateful to God for all His goodness!