Thoughts from the Rectory

 for July 2026

Dear Friends

Music in Church
There are so many places in the Bible where music is mentioned. In the Old Testament, the Psalms are considered to be the Songs of David and in so many of them they speak about singing and making music – and dancing. In the New Testament Jesus tells us the parable of the Prodigal Son which ends in a wild party with Music, Feasting and dancing in celebration for the return of that son. From the earliest times people sang in churches, often accompanied by instruments, and by 600 this had been codified to some extent in chants and plainsong. In more recent times, the 17th Century saw a flourishing of new hymns which were often accompanied by a group of local musicians playing whatever instruments they owned. Most churches now have organs to help the singing, and they have
become a part of the worship in many places.

We are quite used to having music accompanying any programme we watch on TV, often as a background; there is so much music now available on the radio, live streamed or in various shapes of recordings, in so many different styles and
shapes that there is no problem in hearing ‘our sort of music’ whatever that may be.

Here in the Glaven Valley our churches host many concerts, with a wide range of music. In Cley Church ‘Thursdays at Three’ has been running for some years, with both professional and amateur concerts, which include poetry readings. These
have always been run and maintained on a voluntary basis; there is no charge, though through donations a dream of a new sound system in Cley has been realised. There have also been concerts in Wiveton and Cley in recent months, and Greshams prep school gave a concert earlier this term in Letheringsett.

This month, the Glaven Valley Benefice is pleased to host the annual Five Churches Festival from 8th to 12th July, bringing together our churches in Blakeney, Cley, Wiveton, Glandford and Letheringsett. The festival offers a varied programme of events across the Glaven Valley, celebrating wonderful music and the community life of our churches. Whatever you like, there will be something for you, and there are leaflets (with prices) everywhere we can find (including pubs!).

A key event in this year’s festival is Festival Praise, which will take place on
Sunday 12th July at 11.00am in Blakeney Church. Remember your favourite song from school assemblies or a special hymn which always moves you? Join us for an inter-generational Celebration Festival Service together with Blakeney Primary School who will be sharing some of their favourites with us. Enter your own choice on the website fivechurchesfestival.com

Everyone is welcome to attend. Whether you are a regular member of one of our churches, visiting the area, or simply enjoy joining in traditional hymns and worship, we hope you will come and be part of this special service during the Five
Churches Festival.

Please come and join us, if only to enjoy a wonderful time.

Canon Peter Hartley