This evening, I’ve done something I have never done before: I led a service of BCP Evensong.
Nothing unusual in me doing that you might think, what with me being a vicar and all. Ordinarily, that would be true but it was the context that made this Evensong so unusual.
This was a Flash Mob Evensong outside St Paul’s Cathedral. For a little while, St Paul’s has unfortunately had to close as a result of the Occupy London Stock Exchange protests. Now, I’m not going to comment on the rights or wrongs of the protest or its aims – those who know me or read this blog regularly will be able to guess where I stand – but that it has resulted, however indirectly, to an interruption in public worship is unfortunate to say the least.
Enter Kathryn Rose who on Sunday organised a “small but mighty” guerilla Evensong at St Paul’s. This was followed up with a larger-scale one today. Four days’ notice meant that more people were able to come and help and the new FlashEvensong Twitter account provided a focal point for the organisation.
I happened to be the first ordained minister to arrive and so it ended up falling to me to lead – and preach at – today’s service. It was terrifying and fun in equal measure. What is more, I think it was important that, although the Cathedral building may have been closed, worship of the One in whose honour it stands was able to continue. After the service, I spoke briefly, as did others who were involved, with members of the press and I understand that some footage of the service will be on ITV News tonight. This was no publicity stunt however, this was a real service that, judging from the reaction on social media was well received and welcomed.
When we finished, we learned that the Dean of St Paul’s has issued a statement expressing optimism that the Cathedral will re-open on Friday. I hope this happens – and that it is achieved without force having to be deployed against the protesters.
I also did a little AudioBoo after the service:
3 pings
drbexl.co.uk » Blog Archive » Joining #flashevensong / @flashevensong @StPaulsLondon #OccupyLSX
26/10/2011 at 22:48 (UTC 0)
[...] also some pics here and a blog from @riggwelter … sure there’s more [...]
“Flash evensong” and the crunchiness of God’s word | Curlew River
26/10/2011 at 23:21 (UTC 0)
[...] The Telegraph has a fun video of today’s “Flash Evensong” outside St Paul’s Cathedral, in which I was privileged to take part as one of the basses in the scratch choir put together for the occasion by Kathryn Rose. The liturgist and (excellent) preacher, James Ogley, has a post describing the event. [...]
#FlashEvensong | St Mary's News blog
28/10/2011 at 11:17 (UTC 0)
[...] can read more on the blog of the Vicar who led the service at 15 minutes notice. GA_googleAddAttr("AdOpt", "1"); [...]