‘Hymns, Prayer and Praise’ in the Jubilee Gardens, Bewdley.
Sunday 19th June 2005. There was much excitement and anticipation for this years event, having established just two days before the event that the Salvation Army band would support the five Churches of the ‘Bewdley Christian Forum’, at the new ‘Green Theatre’ in the Jubilee Gardens, thanks to the Wyre Forest District Council. Adding to the excitement was the weather forecast; I sent an email to my fellow Deacon John O’Brien which read: "The best laid plans...the forecast is for sunshine and thunder not to mention Lightening. "Oh Lord watch over us today and keep us safe and dry as we gather to praise Our Father, Amen" And guess what? The sun shone for the duration of the performance. The theme was 'The Beatitudes' and we all sang along with the Salvation Army, Chorale Jubilee, and Angela Cattanach-Chell on the keyboard: ‘How lovely are the feet of Him who brings good news’. It was a beautiful moment, everyone at peace and relaxed praising the Lord in the open air and sunshine, it felt like we had all gathered on the mount to hear Our Lord Jesus himself speak to us. Keith James the rector of St Anne’s church read an amusing discourse between an Abbott and the Archbishop to discuss a revolution, which started with a cup of tea, the planning went into greater detail with more cups of tea, then the moment of decision. They looked up into the sky and marvelled at the universe and had another cup of tea. This ended with the Hymn ‘Fill our hearts with joy and gladness’ - wonderful. It was the Methodists turn next with the Hymn ‘Do not be vexed’ followed by a Dramatised dialogue highlighting the verses: ‘Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted and ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; they shall have there fill’.  | | Fr Joseph Sunny, a Priest from India |
This took us gracefully into the atmosphere and mood which the ‘Open Air’ service provided for us. Holy Family started with a hymn ‘How great are you Lord’, and then Fr Joseph Sunny, a visiting priest from India, gave a homily on ‘Blessed are the merciful; they shall have mercy shown them.’ It was a very moving insight as to how our hearts go out to the needy, he sighted Europe’s response to the ‘Tsunami’, and made the point that this is a God given attribute in us all, as we were created in the image and likeness of God. He then pointed out that God in His mercy for us sent His only begotten Son to become one of us and to die for us so that we may live with Him for all eternity. Chorale Jubilee finished this session with the ‘Beatitudes’ put to music by them; one of Chris Wrights' own compositions. Next was All Saints', whose verse was: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart; they shall see God’. Members of All Saints' choir performed the anthem 'Blessed Are The Pure in Heart', accompanied by Angela Cattanach-Chell. This was very appealing, the setting in the ‘Green Theatre’ was most appropriate, and they concluded with the hymn 'Great is Thy Faithfulness', which we all sung. The Baptists were next with their verse ‘Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be recognised as the children of God’. Keith Judson gave a homily on the difference between the Peace of Christ and the peace the world gives. Jesus’ peace - a deep and lasting one which remains with us always, as opposed to how we, the worldly, tend to seek it by going on holidays, retreating from conflict in our hearts, not perhaps coming to terms with it. | "a sound just perfect for the late afternoon" | | Revd Pat Duffy |
Very thought provoking, as was the presentation of three of their community using everyday objects to highlight the needs of those seeking peace, trainers for those refugees on the move, a bread roll, food for the hungry, clean water to drink and wash, a carrier bag for carrying their worldly belongings in. Their final hymn was ‘Beauty for brokenness’. Next, all the musicians joined together and we all sang ‘Give thanks with a grateful heart’. Bidding prayers were petitioned by Andrea Wright and Andy Haynes, musicians and singers of Chorale Jubilee. The next hymn was ‘Lift up your hearts’ one of Chris Wrights own compositions was performed by a cantor, and all the audience joined in with the chorus. The Salvation Army performed one of their own pieces, a sound just perfect for the late afternoon. Keith James gave the blessing, and thanks were given to all the musicians for a wonderful gathering and their performances.
We all joined in the last hymn ‘I watch the sunrise light up the sky’, the last verse of which went: ‘I watch the sunset
Fading away,
Lighting the clouds with sleep
And as the evening
Closes its eyes
I feel your presence near me'. The band of the Salvation Army played us out in the sunshine as only they can, after which we all retired to the Methodist Gardens nearby where they had laid on a wonderful tea. A collection was taken for the ‘Tsunami Appeal’ and just over £100 was raised. As I made my way to my car the heavens opened, rain and thunder, I then recalled the chorus of our opening hymn: ‘Our God Reigns’ and I thought to myself, yes Lord and just at the right time. Thank you Lord for another wonderful day. Have a look at the photo gallery taken at the event. | 
