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Tasmanian Anglican

December 2002

 

 

 

 

Angels and ploughs at Bothwell

by Bruce Mitchell

 

 

Perhaps not quite angels... but the members of the Hobart Lyric Singers, under the direction of Robyn Short, made some angelic sounds at the St Michael and All Angels Festival and Blessing of the Plough Service at the end of September at St Michael's Bothwell.

There was a good number of people at a joyous celebration of the Michaelmas Festival to mark the Dedication of Bothwell and St Michael's Bagdad in the Southern Midlands Parish. The Hobart Lyric Singers enhanced the Service by singing an Introit, two Anthems and a Blessing as well as leading the hymns.

Another good celebration!

The Rector used a 'Transformer' toy, borrowed from his young next-door neighbour, to help people visualise some of the scene from Revelation 12, describing St Michael and his Angels fighting the Dragon and his Angels, epitomising the constant struggle between good and evil, with good eventually triumphing. [Hard to visualise following 12th October.]

The last part of the service took place outside the Church as choir and congregation gathered around a large tractor and plough for the Blessing of the Plough, thanksgiving for God's provision of the fruits of the earth and prayer for farmers and all who enable them to provide for our needs.

Following the service there was a happy gathering for a shared picnic lunch, despite the rather cool weather. Another good celebration of St Michael and All Angels at Bothwell.