I have now started my third and final year of training that ends with my ordination as Deacon in July 2009. This term we are studying liturgy and what that means for you and me whenever we join together as congregations for worship. During the term we will have the opportunity to experience different styles of worship across the spectrum of what is available within the Church of England. We will study, explore and participate in worship in churches across the Diocese from an evangelical to Anglo-Catholic tradition.

Most people prefer going to those services that they enjoy. In classic terms that might mean choosing between something from the Book of Common Prayer or from Common Worship. It might mean wanting or needing a Eucharistic service or preferring a Family Service or Service of the Word. I have often wondered why that is. It will be a fascinating experience to study the various different types of liturgy with the benefit of a tutor who will be able to help us to understand the reasons for the differences and place it all in context.

We will also study the practicalities of drafting liturgy for different services. The Church of England lays down fairly rigid guidelines for what must be included but there is also flexibility to allow nuances to suit local churchmanship and tradition. Therein I think lies a skill based on sensitivity to local congregations,

During these last weeks as I have been doing my preparatory reading for the first few weeks of term I found myself faced by a whole series of new thoughts and questions. What do I understand by worship, liturgy and ritual? Why is worship important to me? Is the right liturgy essential to help me worship effectively? What about the music? Is it a help or an essential part? Are there words of certain hymns that make my teeth stand on edge or I cannot sing with any sincerity? Is worship necessary every week? Must it always be on a Sunday?

I've found myself thinking about matters previously taken for granted as I have read my way into the course material. I have been specifically asked to think about what worship means to me. I have been asked to reflect on how different types of liturgy help me to worship effectively. I have found myself looking beyond the simple question of what type of a service will it be on a particular Sunday. My initial thoughts have been that in order to reflect on the purpose of liturgy I had to be very clear in my own mind about our reason for worship. Why do I go to church? What do I do there?  Does any particular liturgy help?

Am I alone in feeling challenged by such questions? How would you respond to the various questions I have been asked to think about in some detail?

Country Diary continued from previous page

Crustatia
Wood louse 14 legs ( sometimes called a cheesybob) These eat decaying plants and leaves, dead animals and fungi, generally clearing up the countryside. They are quite harmless and should not be killed.

Beetles
Ground and Tiger Beetles are carniverous eating  other insects. They are very useful creatures in the garden as they eat snail and slug eggs. The larve also eat snails. Rove/ Carrion Beetles eat dead animals..

More about creepy crawlies next month.

We have had a bumper harvest of apple and pears.  A happy harvest season to you all.