Being verged

One of the new things I have to get used to here is being verged (or should that be virged?). SMR has vergers, who do very good things looking after the church, preparing for services and many other things besides. During the services, they carry sticks (called wands, I think) and lead the processions. Basically this means that the right people get to the fight places. I'm getting used to the etiquette that goes with this, and I think I'm doing alright.

But on a Sunday morning I am verged, with all due ceremony and reverence, from my stall to the pulpit, a grand total of ten paces (if that). Perhaps they're worried I'll get lost. And then once I've finished preaching I'm left to find my own way back.

Note to self - don't get so caught up in preaching that you forget from whence you came!

Comments

Anonymous said…
The Vergers (Virgers?) in Bath Abbey wear suspicious looking CIA style ear pieces with their gowns. Can SMR compete?
9:14 pm
Anonymous said…
Clearly the post-sermon Virge/diaconal type role is weak in Anglcian traditions. I once deaconed for a Bishop and he lost his mitre after the sermon (he had not given it to me, but merely placed it on his seat - but I was the one presumed guilty until the hat showed up).
9:41 am
charity said…
Well, all that is left to say is that methodists are led purely by God..no need for wands or virgins/vergers....
damn shame if you ask me.
3:07 pm
charity said…
oh, I just realised that preaching box comment is dirrected at me isn't it!ha - well; its a way of being a little seperated from the smelly masses probably!
11:38 pm
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