St Cecilia is the Patron Saint of music and musicians. Her Feast Day is 22nd November. She reminds us that music is a gift of God. So St. Cecilia's day is a special time to enjoy music and to encourage musicians. At St John's we give thanks for the strong musical tradition that has developed here in the last 175 years. We give thanks to God for Philip Norman, our Director of Music, for Stephen Moyle, our Organist, for Mary Lloyd-Evans who leads the Children's Percussion Group, for the Adult Choir, the Junior Choir and the children of the Percussion Group. We also give thanks for Rev. Kathryn Robinson who leads our Concert Ministry, and for all those who make these concerts possible, the musicians and the Concert Team at St John's.
A year ago we launched an appeal to raise funds for a new organ. This year we give thanks that we have reached our target. Our new digital organ will be installed by the end of January. We give thanks for this new instrument and all those whose generosity has made its purchase possible. We give thanks for our old pipe organ, which we hope to restore when the building and redecoration work is completed, and for our two pianos. We give thanks also for Eric Doig, who tunes our pianos and quietly supports the musical traditions at St John's.
Musical traditions, however, are not automatic, and should not be taken for granted. They need to be supported and renewed in every age. If you are a singer or love singing, why not consider joining one of St John's choirs? Details are available from Philip. If you love music and enjoy concerts, why not consider joining our Concert Ministry Team?
Details of our forthcoming concerts can be found in Forthcoming Events.
Pam Richards