‘Go THIS time!’
‘Go next time!’ The conductor’s words are likely to be brief when the previous attempts at a method have come to an early end. Surely it’s just a case of ‘getting into it’ – and that is exactly what we are encouraging other people to do – to get into church for the Sunday service before the ‘last minute’ call of a single bell tells everyone the priest is standing ready to announce the opening hymn. But then, what about us? Do we stay, or do we go? Can we with integrity call parishioners to worship – for this most important action of faith – if we are doing the opposite, going our different ways until the ‘next time’?
Surely we need to do more than make a loud noise. Shouldn’t we who call others to worship participate in that worship of God ourselves? And, afterwards, whilst sharing in fellowship over a refreshing cuppa, we may find ourselves conversing with others about matters which include our skill of ringing; and through that perhaps even finding and welcoming newcomers to our invitational art of campanology.
And, as part of the congregation contributing to the collection, we are recognising the cost of maintaining the church building. How would we cover the cost of repairs, insurance, and yearly upkeep of the belfry that brings us together for the Exercise, if services were transferred elsewhere, as sometimes happens when rural parishes are united under the ministry of one priest?
If you’ve never, or not recently, been in the practice of joining the priest and people for worship as you leave the ringing chamber, why don’t you ‘Go THIS time!’? God bless you as you do.
MICHAEL STEPHENS