We worshiped at St. George's Anglican Cathedral this evening. (This is where we attend Friday Morning Prayer each week). It was the Solemn Sung Eucharist with the Giving of Ashes, and it was lovely.
The music was William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices, with two other anthems by Byrd, and a few hymns. We sat toward the front so were able to see all that was happening at the altar. It was HIGH CHURCH (yes there were "smells and bells"), which I've been missing in worship. The sermon was thoughtful and wove themes of repentance, the cross, and the anticipation of Easter throughout. He ended with a poem by Walter Brueggemann (of the UCC). And of course we came forward for communion and received from the common cup (again a practice I miss in our tradition).
After the service (1 1/2 hours that did NOT seem that long) we walked the labyrinth in the courtyard. This was Sophia's first encounter with a labyrinth and while we walked it "quickly" (in 15 minutes one way to the center), she shared that she felt that God was with her while she was walking. Nice.
Preparing to Leave!
It's hard to believe we've less than 2 weeks left in Cape Town. We are in "final" mode - making plans to see friends one last time, deciding what we still have to do that we've not done, and what we want to do one more time before we go. I've tried not to leave shopping to the last days, but am aware that it will be a long time before we're back...
Sophia talks of home more and more and I'm beginning to imagine the transition... Sigh...
We feel blessed every moment of every day; and I am grateful.
No comments:
Post a Comment