George was an early Christian martyr (died 23 April 303AD in Palestine) and is venerated as a saint. Of Middle Eastern heritage, he was born in Cappadocia - a province of the Roman Empire in Anatolia - in modern central-eastern Turkey.He became a member of the Praetorian Guard for Roman emperor Diocletian but, when he refused to denounce his Christian faith, he was executed as part of the Diocletianic persecutions (a series of edicts that withdrew Christians' legal rights and demanded that they should comply with traditional religious practices and offer sacrifices to Roman gods). He is one of the most venerated saints in Christianity and, as well as being the patron saint of England, he is also the patron saint of Aragon, Catalonia, Georgia, Ethiopia, Portugal and Palestine.Saint George - pray for us 🙏
The Eclectics is a community choir run by Vanessa Young, which was established over 25 years ago. Their name reflects the choir's repertoire which includes a wide range of genres – gospel, folk, jazz standards, pop classics and music from around the world. We hope you come and enjoy the concert at St Catherine’s on Sunday 17th May at 4.00pm.Tickets (£10) are available on the door or in advance from: ticketsatstcatherines@gmail.comThe theme for their concerts this year is ‘HOPE’. The Eclectics felt this would be particularly appropriate at this time of uncertainty in the world. Titles like: ‘Good News’, ‘Get Happy’, ‘Cock-eyed Optimist’, ‘Feeling Good’ and ‘Bring me Sunshine’ give a flavour of the theme, as well as lesser known numbers from around the world such as the Zulu song ‘Zidele Amathambo’ which suggests we put our hearts and souls into whatever we’re doing, and ‘E Malama’ - a Hawaian song in the hulu tradition which bestows a beautiful blessing on the earth. The song ‘Ubunye’ is based on the concept of Umoya – spirit, or the breath of life - and the partnership or brotherhood we share as people with a yearning for peace and understanding.The choir has its base in Adisham, and has just over 30 members drawn not just from Adisham, but from Canterbury, Ashford, Faversham, Folkestone, Margate and surrounding villages. We’re an ‘all-comers’ choir – meaning that there are no auditions and anyone who is prepared to join in with enthusiasm and commitment is welcome.Find The Eclectics at: https://www.eclecticscommunitychoir.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eclecticschoir/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eclecticscommunitychoirAnyone interested in joining the choir (or simply coming for a taster!), should contact Vanessa on or 07979 129074 or at vanessayoung69@aol.com
Taizé services are meditative, ecumenical Christian prayer services originating from a monastic community in Taizé, France.The community was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger. Today the community includes over 100 brothers from Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox backgrounds from more than 30 countries. This ecumenical community is dedicated to reconciliation and peace and is a popular pilgrimage site for thousands of young people and adults.The services, often held by candlelight, typically have elements of scripture readings, silence and simple, repetitive songs/chants creating an intimate, contemplative, peaceful atmosphere. There is no preaching.Taizé services are held worldwide, including regular, often monthly or weekly, services at many local churches and cathedrals. They are particularly popular during liturgical seasons of preparation like Lent and Advent. Many people find these meditative and reflective services a doorway to encountering God in a new way.
Some (but by no means all!) Christians find that the use of incense enhances their worship experience. It is used as a sensory and symbolic element in Catholic, Orthodox and some Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and other traditions to enhance liturgical services. It is used to engage the senses of worshippers and to represent the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. The theological context of the use of incense is seen in the Bible from the Old Testament through to the book of Revelation. In the book of Exodus, God instructs Moses in the use of incense as a part of Israelite worship and it would have remained a part of the worship in the Temple in New Testament times. Incense was one of the gifts given to Jesus by the Magi as a spiritual symbol of his priestly role. And in Revelation it accompanies the prayers of the faithful: "Another angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar; he was given a great quantity of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel".The use of incense is rich in symbolism and purpose. First, it represents prayer rising to heaven for example in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you" and, as above, in Revelation where an angel offers incense with the prayers of the saints. Second, the smoke of the incense creates a cloud and this cloud symbolises the very presence of God as it did in the Exodus, at the Transfiguration, and at the Ascension - representing God's mysterious and transcendent presence. Third, it denotes sanctification and honour. Burning incense is an act that sets apart holy objects, places, and people for worship. Finally, it is used for purification. Historically, it was used for ritual cleansing. Today it symbolically purifies the altar, the offerings, and the congregation.And so, in worship, incense is used in a number of liturgical contexts including: at the reading of the Gospel - incensing the Gospel Book before it is read to show reverence for Christ’s words; at the offertory - incensing the gifts of bread and wine, the altar, the priest, and the congregation; and at the Consecration of the bread and wine - at the elevation of the host and chalice during the Eucharist.While not for everyone, the use of incense is a real aid to worship for many.