Simon Says ...

Today saw the first pieces of the organ start to be removed. It's quite a piece of work! It's also aroused quite a bit of local interest with the radio, television and newspaper all wanting a piece about it. There are about 4500 pipes in our organ. Each has to be removed, restored and replaced. It should take about 18 months, and costs a small fortune .

For a short time we have two organs in church (our pipe organ is being removed on Monday so it can be restored). So this evening an assembled choir sang Widor 's Mass for choir and two organs as part of a eucharist. What particularly struck me was the role of the great organ. The little organ accompanied the choir and the great organ played parts that threatened to drown out the human voice. It was a reminder to me of the majesty of God, who is beyond all human conception and containment. It was beautiful, and a real privilege to be involved.

Well, new phone as well so change was enforced. My phone now has the dulcet tones of Lennon and McCartney's 'Here comes the sun' - call it a new year's resolution or just optimism in the cold of winter. And someone may yet be assigned the Imperial March from Star Wars as their own personal tone!

So welcome to 2009 (only 10 days late!). Some pictures taken today (playing with a new toy): Bristol harbour is frozen: and Christmas trees are piling up! and I'm back to work tomorrow (no image supplied).