‘God has gone up with a shout’

‘the Lord with the sound of a trumpet’

So, this morning, the liturgy and music of the Priory’s annual Ascension Day service spilled from the top of the tower across the roofs and bustling streets of Great Malvern.

A sizable number of choir and congregation members gathered just before 9am to make the steep and winding ascent of the spiral stair, past the organ access door, past the bell ringing chamber, on, ever upwards, to the bright sunshine and amazing views from the tower top.

A note was given, and led by the choir, voices were raised, joyfully singing in worship

’Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia!
to his throne above the skies, Alleluia!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners given, Alleluia!
enters now the highest heaven! Alleluia!

as the sun shone, making rainbow patterns on the clouds, and the Malvern Hills sparkled spring green…and yellow...and brown against the blue sky.

A reading, prayers, another hymn and the blessing and then it was time quickly to take in the panoramic view
’See Clee Hill? Our daughter lives there. I wonder if she’s waving!’
before a rather slower descent to the peace of the Priory below.

And now we await Pentecost…