Harmonious Hymnody

Jo Penn August 15, 2026 0 0

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Galatians 3: 26-29 (NIV-UK)

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

A surprising report on the BBC News last Summer was of the popularity of ‘Primary School Bangers’ at Glastonbury Festival– so much so that they had to close access to the field. The attraction was a sing-along to Primary School Assembly hymns sung on a sunny afternoon in that ‘festival’ place, amongst friends and strangers.

Jesus said, ‘for where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.’ Matthew 18:20 – you can imagine Jesus in festival attire joining in with the swaying singalong at Glastonbury.

We do like a reason to get together around shared interests – there is even a ‘festival of Nigels’ in the UK,‘ to revive the critically endangered name’.

Why do we come together? Maybe to marvel at the talent of others, to learn new skills and knowledge, to indulge our hobbies, to share time with friends and make new ones, to create community memories – to bring people out of their houses and into the common shared spaces where face to face encounter with others is possible.

At many festivals there will be volunteer chaplains to be there for the practical care and spiritual needs of festival goers, there alongside police, St John’s ambulance and other key services.

Let us celebrate the festivals that have shaped us and rejoice in the generous goodness of humanity, the exploration of creativity and beauty that is witnessed in these transitory spaces.

Prayer giving thanks for festivals and large events that bring people together:

Thank you God for those who curate our festivals,

Who have a vision for bringing people together to have fun, learn new things and celebrate life.

Thank you for the festivals that have shaped our lives as part of our faith journey.

We pray for events happening this summer – that Jesus will be made visible to many in unexpected ways, inviting them to live and build the kingdom of God for the good of their wider community.

Amen