FWIW The musings of a webmaster Sunday 16 March 2008 What's this?

Thank you for the music

I have a confession to make.

I haven't been to church since Christmas. I've been going through one of those phases that I experience from time to time when 'church' doesn't help. In fact, it becomes a source of stress and a catalyst for depression. Far from being nurturing or uplifting it feels like yet another demand in my life, which already feels overburdened.  There are other times when I feel totally different about the place, and am filled with optimism for the future and a great affection for those who attend the church. But there are periods when I just have to take a break, and this is one of those times.

I tell you this to put the remainder of this piece in context: at the moment I'm a Christian who is feeling rather isolated, jaded and disheartened.

The scene is central London last Wednesday. I am attending a course at a hotel near Tower Bridge and during the lunch break decide to go for a wander. As I walk along Trinity Square I notice a sign on a wall pointing to "St. Olave's Church" and decide to investigate. I find the church easily and there is an unobtrusive sign outside advising of a lunchtime concert. I don't have a lot of time but decide to go in for a look around. The church is very old: a thoughtful and well produced Easter leaflet that I come across says that the church survived the fire of 1666.

I arrive at about 1 o'clock and the concert is scheduled to start at 1.05. I sit in the back pew.  It is a gloriously peaceful and prayerful place. I think how wonderful it is to be in a church where there are no expectations of me. Looking again at the Easter leaflet I note their website address: www.sanctuaryinthecity.net. Perfect. That about sums it up.

As I read further I learn that St. Olave's seeks to be a Christian community characterised by 5 elements:

"Worship: this is our first duty and joy as His people

Healing: this reflects His compassion for life's wounds

Art: this allows a showcase for the creative gifts of God

Education: this is a welcome for schools into the City's history

Tourism: This recognises the place that visitors have in our time"

I reflect that this is a pretty good mission statement for any church, and admirably succinct.

There are probably half a dozen people waiting for the music to begin. A gentleman (who may or may not be the Vicar) emerges from a door at the back of the church. As he walks down the aisle I glance up and receive a welcoming smile. He introduces the pianist, a lady called Clare Jones, who receives a warm round of applause. It is well deserved for she plays sensationally well. She plays Bach, whose music I love, but a piece I do not know: Capriccio in B flat, "On the departure of a beloved brother". It is sublime, pure spiritual food. I feel uplifted, for this is one of those unexpected moments of pure gift.

I have to return to the hotel for the second part of the course, and so, very reluctantly, I have to leave after this first piece. I miss the opportunity to enjoy Liszt, Chopin, Debussy, and one of my favourites, Villa-Lobos.

As I slip out, a lady arrives with her foil wrapped sandwiches.

If I returned tomorrow there would be another piano recital to enjoy - Mozart, Rachmaninov, Schubert. On Friday, a quartet playing Schumann and Bartok. No admission charge, donations if you can.

The music and the peace of this sanctuary in the city stays with me throughout the afternoon.  Later that night I e-mail the Vicar to say thank you to him and Clare for the wonderful ministry that this small church in the heart of London carries out. Unexpectedly, I receive a very gracious response from the Church Manager who offers to keep me informed about future events and concerts at St. Olave's.

My point is this: as Christians, hanging on to faith by our fingernails, we never know when we will be ministered to. As a church, we never know when we will have the opportunity to provide spiritual nurture to a jaded and disheartened Christian who stumbles, hopefully, through our open door.

Blessings.