THE MYSTERY WORSHIPPER
Most parishioners will be aware that we have been visited by a 'Mystery Worshipper'. This man (or woman) has not, and will not, be identified to any of us. His (or her) report, however, can now be made known and is shown below.
Note: You may wish to provide your own comments on the content of this report. If this is the case, David Presswell would be pleased to hear from you and to place your comments and/or suggestions for consideration by the Worship Committee. You can email him at: d.presswell@virgin.net
The Mystery Worshipper's visits to Maldon
Just over three months ago I was asked to be a mystery worshipper at All Saints' Church. I had already seen your website whilst 'Googling' the Saints of Essex as a possibility for a future Flower Festival (!), so I had some idea of what to expect.
I visited on three occasions:-
4pm Choral Evensong on Sunday 23rd November 2008
8am BCP Holy Communion on Sunday 21st December 2008
10am Parish Communion on Sunday 15th February 2009
Choral Evensong on Sunday 23rd November 2008
I arrived approximately 10 minutes before the service began and followed a group into the church. We were greeted by sidespersons/welcomers who handed us each a hymn book, prayer book, the Sunday Link sheet and the details of the Bach Cantata. It was quite busy by the entrance, but not confusingly so. The robed choir was standing behind the pews at the north aisle. As I come from a smaller church with a separate choir vestry I noticed this and the drinks on the tble in the Under-tower. (Diversion ended)
The details of the service were clearly listed and it was easy to take part. The interchange of the church choir and the visiting Choral Society members took place relatively seamlessly for the performance of Sleepers Awake. I enjoyed the music and the service. There was a good blend of the church community and the musical fraternity. The church was comfortably full for the event.
8am BCP Holy Communion on Sunday 21st December 2008
Again I arrived about ten minutes before the service and sat near the back - so what's new for an Anglican! Not being able to remain inconspicuous and take notes my observations are impressions of a smaller congregation of the older age group who felt at home with BCP so I, too, felt at home. Of course one can feel the Spirit in any act of worship, but there is something special about beginning the Lord's Day in the quiet of an early service. The priest celebrated at the main altar and there was a short homily. I noticed the nave altar at the side, ready for the Parish Communion Service later in the morning. Again the sidesmen welcomed us and provide the Book of Common Prayer and the Sunday Link sheet and a smile. These sheets are very comprehensive and one hopes that those who receive them make good use of them. There is a lot of work involved in their production. Again a smile and a farewell.
10am Parish Communion on Sunday 15th February 2009
This service had a cross section of ages, with only a small number of young children. Was this because Half Term had begun or is it following the trend where some families with children at Church Schools feel that the children's religious experience is found with their peers in the classroom? It was good to see the children who had been learning about Zaccheus were able to give a good account of themselves at the end of the service.
The choir certainly made it a good Sung Eucharist, and even those of us whose vocal contributions are of a lower standard were able to appreciate the beauty of the music. It was interesting to see the exchange of the Peace near the beginning of the service, and I felt that those around me did welcome a stranger. It is always difficult when going to a different church to pre guess what happens after the act of receiving communion, and I had a small worry on that point, as to who went where.
Overall I felt at home as part of this congregation.
One small point - would it be a good idea to mention the coffee/tea at the back of the church and I never did find the Organic Olive Oil.
There is so much going on in the parish. I am quite envious. And one last point - your publicity is superb and not just for those who are computer orientated.
