It is two weeks since the Eurovision Song contest, although it may seem longer. Even if you didn’t watch the wonderful, heart-warming success by the Ukrainian entry and Great Britain’s Sam Ryder’s achievement in gaining second place, you may have seen his comments: "We were sat there in the green room and absolutely engulfed in the energy of that arena. It was like being in a church because there was so much joy.”
Is this the first time that the Eurovision Song contest atmosphere has been compared with a church service? It certainly got me thinking. There are services during the year where we most definitely experience joy together, such as the Carol service and Midnight Mass at Christmas, our recent Mothering Sunday and Easter services. But what about our normal, routine Sunday services? There is plenty to be joyful about: the Gospel story, worshipping God through hymns and other music, being with our friends and neighbours. Last Sunday’s evensong, led by Marvin in Christine’s absence on holiday, was an example. Although the congregation was small (we all sat in the choir stalls) it was a special experience to reunite with a few we hadn’t seen for a while and also to sing to the excellent organ accompaniment of Andy Stancliffe, substituting for Hugh who was away.
Joy is what we should all experience every time we meet together at St Martin’s!