Counting Crosses

DH is churchwarden, for the third time!
Some people never seem to learn ;)

Agreeing to be nominated is the start of the process of becoming church warden.
You then have to be elected at the AGM.
Finally, you are required to roll up to a large service
and agree to practice true religion,
promote unity and peace,
look after the buildings and chattels of the church
and, when your stint is complete,
pass everything on to your successor.

The ministry dates back to the 13th century, and although many Churchwardens are mature in years, none are thought to be that old.
Actually, when I looked around at those gathered, many are retired, but there were an encouraging number who were relatively young.

Churchwarden charging churchwards

The service we attended was held at St. John's, Bromsgrove. A large church situated on the highest land in the immediate area. Not surprisingly the lofty spire dominates the skyline of both the town and surrounds.

There is very little room for cars in the grounds of the church, and the small number of places that were available were probably reserved for the great and the good, and those less mobile.
However, this was not a problem, as there is plenty of  street parking close to the church and we had no difficulty in finding a space.

One bemused resident looked with puzzlement at the cars lining the normally empty streets.
"There must be something on at the church" 
he pronounced, before realising that he had spoken loud enough for those parking their cars to hear!

I have probably only attended about five services at this church and several of these were many years ago.

St. John's is dominated by a large cross that hangs near the front of the nave.  I would love to know what it is made of
The KHT, however, was fascinated by the backlit cross in the alcove on the left hand side of the main arch.
We then started counting crosses,
those on the altar,
the ones incorporated in the east window,
the crucifixion window,
the small brightly coloured glass cross.
A large piece of art hung above the north aisle, incorporating various Christian symbols,
including a cross.
Would any other method of brutal torture and murder,
lend itself so readily to being incorporated into so many art forms?



There was a goodly number gathered for this annual service and there will be at least one more in the Diocese. Churchwardens are expected to attend, or make alternative arrangements to be admitted to office.

Afterwards, there were lots of familiar faces to catch up with and refreshments to enjoy.

The KHT was worried that she would get a hangover as the water she consumed was in a wine glass.
"The miracle in Canaan was a one-off." I reassured her, 
"I have not heard of another occasion when it happened."

"What about the Archdeacon's Charge?" you ask.
Well, there is a high price to pay - services to attend,
meetings to sit through,
forms to fill in,
returns to make,
faculties to apply for,
and hopefully, books to balance.
Someone has to do it, or ensure it is done,
and that is what churchwardens sign up for - knowingly, or otherwise!

The price may feel high in terms of time and commitment, but it is nothing compared to sacrifice given by the one, in whose honour the crosses are displayed.