Midlands National Carol Service at Coventry Cathedral - 12th December 2017
The final one of TG’s three national carol services took place in Coventry Cathedral which combines majestic medieval ruins with awe-inspiring modern buildings and artworks, as a symbol of resurrection and reconciliation. The Cathedral is the nation’s favourite 20th Century building, standing majestically next to the ruins of the old cathedral destroyed in the 1940 Coventry Blitz. It houses a stunning collection of monumental art, including Graham Sutherland’s “Christ in Glory.
Starting at 2pm with nearly 700 members in the congregation, all of whom had braved the wintery conditions, and after being greeted by Canon Dr David Stone, Jenny Rideout and Penny Ryan read a poem, written by TG member Ellen Jenkinson. During it, three characters who had been sitting amongst the congregation walked slowly down the aisle to the front. These were homeless, friendless and jobless and the members were urged to befriend or even just give a smile to everyone.
The rest of the service was traditional, with a solo and songs sung by the Coventry Cathedral Chamber Choir, a local choir.
After the service, the Trustees said goodbye to the members at the main door. Everyone that we spoke to said that this service, with the theme of loneliness and friendship had given them much food for thought.
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