Matthew's Journal

I went along to the Goth Eucharist at St Edward King and Martyr this evening. I arrived early (or it started late, I'm not sure which), which gave me a little time to take in the setting - the side-aisle of the church, with a cross in tea-lights on the floor (not all of which were lit), other candles standing round, a brazier of incense on the altar, and evanescence on the CD player. The service followed the usual order of the eucharist, although some bits were, I think, specially written. There were two pauses for a secular track - once early on before confession (the Gethsemane scene from Jesus Christ Superstar), and during the distribution (well, not exactly a pause, more like an accompanyment) ("Nothing Else Matters"). Candles were lit during the service, and it definitely got "lighter" during the service - the music after the service was something Irish folk-y I didn't recognise.

I'm a traditionalist when it comes to liturgy, so I went along a little apprehensively. I think, on the whole, it worked - I was feeling a bit down before the service (for reasons I won't go into), and felt better afterwards. I think it needs a little more confidence, though - the Taize chanting petered out, and the celebrant lit all the candles, where the service sheet called for the congregation to do some of them. I'm not sure it's sure exactly how it relates to goths (and any non-goths who might attend), though, either, but maybe that's because I'm not really a goth. I think I'd use more incense - maybe have a thurifer?

Father Andrew's reservations aside, it's an interesting service, and well worth investigating, if you're around on appropriate tuesdays. I know some people who want to go, but can't during term, so maybe it'll continue a week or two outside term...