VI
CHAPEL AND CHOIR
Sacristans: F Riche and A Lawes. In the Michaelmas Term we studied extracts from the Letter to the Hebrews in Evensong. The series began with the Master reflecting on Hebrews 1 and he was joined during the term by, among others, Brigadier Rob Thomson (1985), Mrs Marsh, and Professor Sarah Coakley (Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity). The carol services were well attended as always, and the Christmas Carol service was a particular highlight as we began a new ‘tradition’ of holding the service in St Clement’s (on the other side of Magdalene Bridge). We processed from First Court across the bridge, following the choir and attempting to join in with Once in Royal David’s City. We finished the term with a Christingle Service before the Staff and Fellows’ Family Christmas Party. The Master did a wonderful job at this service of helping some of the little ones in attendance construct their Christingles! In the Lent Term the sermon series focused on the book of Genesis and we welcomed as our preachers, among others, Bex White (recently elected as the Labour Councillor of the Lansbury Ward, Tower Hamlets), the Revd Dr Michael Quicke (Emeritus Professor of Preaching, Lombard, Illinois), the Most Revd John Davies (Archbishop of Wales) and one of our former Chaplains, the Very Revd Dr David Hoyle (Dean of Bristol Cathedral). In the Easter Term we followed the post-Easter liturgical pattern, returning to think about Pentecost on the Sunday after Trinity since Whitsunday is traditionally used for the Commemoration of Benefactors. This sermon was preached by Dominic Palmer (2017) who has been working part-time as a lay-assistant within Chapel and who had been an immense help, both practically and pastorally, to the smooth running and ministry of the Chapel. Dom has now left with his wife Hannah to begin a new ministry in Manchester. We were also delighted to welcome, among others, Dr Jones and the Revd Dr Vicky Johnson (canon of Ely Cathedral) as our preachers. We again celebrated Ascension Day with Sung Matins in the Fellows’ Garden and enjoyed fine weather and fine singing from the Choir. Sunday morning Chapel saw an average congregation of 35 and several students have committed to serving as Chapel Wardens at this service to help the Chaplain both during the service and afterwards at breakfast. The Master again let us use his garden for an outdoor celebration of Holy Communion which was a real highlight of the year as it was also a service of Baptism and Confirmation. One Fellow and her son were baptised by the Chaplain, alongside a member of the Choir, before the Master confirmed three Fellows and four students. A number of students and Fellows were part of bible studies and discussion groups during the year which provided the opportunity for members of the College to ask questions about the Christian faith or to deepen their existing commitment.
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