Blog under reconstruction

This blog is currently under reconstruction.

Please come back later to find more up-to-date information. 

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Further to the announcement that Jonathan Lilley will leave Ely Cathedral this summer, the Chapter wishes to appoint a new Assistant Organist from September 2013. Full details are available on the Cathedral website here

Do pass the word on if you know anyone suitable and encourage them to apply.

"Let it be known" - the latest song from Worship Central and Tim Hughes (amongst others), accompanied by a video that reflects the current worship style of the contemporary scene. Nothing wrong with either but, increasingly, so far away from the regular worship of our parish churches. Our young people go to Soul Survivor (or similar) and this is how they worship. They come back home and want to worship like this but few churches could make that happen for them.

Just as "choir and organ" (Cathedral style) can prove hard in the parish context, my own view is that this is now so far removed from what's achievable in most of our churches that it serves only those with the most modern technical gadgets and musicians skilled in this type of music to deliver the song(s). 

What do you think?

Reflection on writing worship songs

This is a really helpful reflection by the grandfather of contemporary worship music, Graham Kendrick. 
http://www.crossingsongs.org.uk/blog/the-theology-worship-songs

Overall, this is actually a rather good website and they are currently running a competition to write new songs including an under-18s category.

Graham's own website is available here.

WORSHIP CENTRAL IN CAMBRIDGE

Worship Central's UK Tour is coming to Cambridge on 19 March 2013 at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. Doors open at 6.30 pm. 

More information and booking details can be found here

Training event - "Music to Worship God"

   MUSIC TO WORSHIP GOD
Saturday, 2 March 2013
The Cathedral Centre, Palace Green, Ely CB7 4EW

Does the music seem a bit “tired” in your Church? Are you looking for fresh ideas? Would you like to explore the ways in which music enhances worship and can aid theological understanding and spirituality? If so, this day is for you. This event is hosted jointly by the Ely RSCM Area and the Diocesan Crescendo training programme. Open to ministers (ordained or lay) musicians, and any others (over 18 years of age) who have an interest in Church Music.

Canon Michael Hampel (Canon Precentor, St Paul’s Cathedral London) will be the keynote speaker. The day will include some practical workshops, details of which will be circulated prior to the event to all those accepted onto the training. Bookings will be acknowledged by email. If you require a postal acknowledgement, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope with your booking form.

The training day will be followed by the AGM of the Ely RSCM Area at 4.15 pm. There is also a warm invitation to stay on for Choral Evensong in Ely Cathedral at 5.30 pm

For further information and booking form, see here