REVIEWS

THE POWER OF LOVE

The Royal Wedding Sermon Written by: Bishop Michael Curry

Published by: Hodder & Stoughton Price: £14.99

An estimated two billion people around the globe tuned in to watch the marriage ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex).

The presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church USA delivered a well-received sermon at the wedding, which is now the focus and centrepiece of this book.

The beautifully presented hardback includes not only the full text of the royal wedding sermon (completed with an introduction describing the context) but also four other equally fascinating sermons touching on themes of love, commitment and social justice. The sermons were delivered at the opening eucharist of the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas in July; the Episcopal Revival at the same Convention; at a service of witness, prayer and justice at a Texas detention centre and at a service at Washington National Cathedral.

The book is designed to be presented as a gift – perhaps to engaged couples, royalists or perhaps for those who would appreciate the messages of love, peace and justice. The 126 page volume is a little smaller than A5 but could easily be read within an hour or two.

In a concise introduction, which essentially sums up his ministry, Bishop Curry writes: ‘The message of God is very simple. Love one another. Take care of one another. Take care of creation. And while you’re at it, love me – love God. Do that and you will ind your way. That is the core of the gospel. That is the only sermon that matters.’

THE SCOTTISH FEDERATION OF ORGANISTS

From an idea to the present day Written by: Donald Thomas Maclagan

Published by: Edinburgh Society of Organists Price: £4 (plus £2.50 p&p information available at https://www.scotsorgan.org.uk/page17.html or by telephone on 01540 662431)

This 95 page publication brings together over a year of research charting the history and roots of the Scottish Federation of Organists, from founding in 1956 to the present day.

Individual societies had sprung up in Scotland’s major cities, bringing together organists who could share resources and experiences, but there was a sense that it would be helpful to have a national gathering.

The first conference, attended by around 100 people, subsequently took place in Dundee in 1957, marking the birth of the national organisation.

The history is fascinating and charts some of the tensions over the years, including opposition to electric organs in the 1960s and concern about a ‘lack of co-operation’ between ministers and organists (again 1967) when compiling TV programmes with the musical content described as ‘deplorable’ on occasion, according to reports. The history notes that the position was aided by a 25 minute BBC documentary on church music.

The book ofers a comprehensive history of the 60 plus years of the Federation (along with local societies, the only national body to faithfully represent organists) meticulously charting its conferences and work over the years and recording the names of all office bearers. The conference has travelled around over the years and not simply focussed on one or two of the big cities, but travelled across Scotland – including the town of Stenhousemuir – in recent years.

The publication has been published and subsidised by the Edinburgh Society of Organists.

Organ enthusiasts will ind this a useful resource when looking back to the past but also for fact checking on the most recent 2018 conference, which is also included, along with the names of office bearers and committee.

Historians will also ind it to be a fascinating repository for the story of those who have served faithfully in Scotland’s churches.

LEARN

Pastoral Care

Published by: Saint Andrew Press Edited by: Hongsuk Um Price: £10.00

The latest in the series of the well-established Church of Scotland ‘Learn’ publications focuses on the area of pastoral care.

The book opens by focusing on why the Church is involved in caring for others before ofering practical irst-hand advice from a range of contributors covering a broad themed spectrum of care, from caring for young people through to bereavement.

The contributors are experienced in their field and their words are worth reading.

This is an essential tool for anyone new to the work of pastoral care or for anyone seeking to learn more or looking for new resources or skills in dealing with this central aspect of the work of the local Church of Scotland.

Lynne McNeil

This article appears in the January 2019 Issue of Life and Work

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