|
On one occasion, when serving, I was acting as MC. A new curate was presiding so I had to get it right. We came to the Gospel, which was to be read in front of the altar chairs. I was sat on the MC seat with the altar book on my knees, finding the right place out of 2000+ pages; I got it, put my finger in and shut the book. When the time came, I got up and held the book in front of the Curate. If you think about it, when you have a book in front of you ready to read, then pick it up, it will be upside down to a person facing you. This happened now. The Curate tilted his head first one way then the other, then turned to the congregation and said loudly, "It's no good, I'll have to turn it over" and did so!!! One day, when serving at the altar, I had what may be called a memory lapse. Prior to the Gospel, we collect the crucifix and lights, proceed to the front of the altar, where we are joined by the priest. We then turn and process to the lectern. On this day we got up, went to where the crucifix and lights are, picked them up, went to the front of the altar and stood. The priest joined us, collected the altar book and turned to face us. He looked at the three of us and said quietly, "We will wait!" I wondered why we should wait, then suddenly realised that my hands, in proper mode and position in front of my chest, were empty!!! The light was still in its holder, yards away. Striking a regal pose, I went to fetch it in a silent church. All went well till I picked up the light, when a little boy's voice said, "he forgot the candle, didn't he, Mum?" The congregation became an audience from that point on!!! NORMAN LINNEY |
|
page last updated 12 OCTOBER 2002 |
