Once more unto the breach — Thomas Williams

I have lunch at McClurg Dining Hall before heading over to register for the conference. I had had a bit of an idea bubbling over in the last few days, one that I had had before but then dropped. It was back. The fifteenth anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood is this December 13, and wouldn’t it be nice to have an anthem commissioned to celebrate? But commissions ideally should be done well in advance, not five months before the event.

As it happened, I sat down at a table with a wonderful composer who is on the conference board. After some preliminary explanation, I asked flat out: “How do you feel about commissions with very short lead times?” He responded immediately, “How do you feel about George Herbert?”

Yes, he already has a text in mind. “The shepherds sing, and shall I silent be?”

How do I feel about George Herbert? Is there a word for warm enthusiasm overlaid with awe? That’s how I feel.

Our conference chaplain, Mother Barbara Crafton, is seriously delayed by canceled flights, so I don’t have a chance for our usual conversation about who’s going to do what liturgically. As I always tell her, I’m happy to do as much or as little as she wants. Nonetheless, during the opening announcements I do venture to offer the sacrament of reconciliation or (and) the sacrament of healing to anyone who wants to make a confession or be anointed for healing. I brought my oil stock with me.

And a purple stole.

Yeah, I know.

It is evident at our first rehearsal that quite a few people have taken advantage of receiving the music in advance to make a good start on learning it. I can’t remember any other first rehearsal going so well.

The day comes to a close with Compline in All Saints’ Chapel. This is my first year as part of the Compline choir: eight singers, two to a part, with a lot of score study in advance and minimal rehearsal time on the Holy Mountain. I think we pulled it off rather well. “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.”