St Stephen

St Stephen's Dominican church, Jerusalem. Icon of Stephen seen in Armenian shop window, Jerusalem. The church is thought to be on the place where Stephen was martyred.
Christmas Day and listened to Bath Abbey broadcast. Not many at Coulsdon - clapping Gloria, I played lots of Noels. Vickie said how well everything had gone. To John the Baptist Purley for 12 noon Mass. Warmly greeted by Fr Jim Pannett who is looking old and limping again. Someone called Bill turned up at noon to play accompanied by his young daughters. Endured Peruvian Gloria and the girls sang carols round the organ - it looked as though they only had one copy between them. Their descant to O come all ye faithful was pretty feeble. Considering the church was full the people did not sing. Bill is a competent pianist I think but there is no variety of stops at all so it all becomes pretty dull. Canon Jim does his best to enthuse! I rather suspect that a lot of people like me would prefer a short quiet Mass after so many carols. One becomes carolled out - I had played and sung "O come all ye faithful" enough times by Dec 6th! Returned home to find Liz back from the Cathedral and Louise doing the cooking. Collected Grandma. Watched the Queen which was excellent as always and had a lovely lunch of salmon terrine, turkey, 3 lots of stuffing (Tom's) all the trimmings, Christmas pudding made by Louise with alcoholic brandy butters. Presents - lots of lovely books and CDs including The Priests (had watched ITV programme about them and they sing well). Louise brought a good board game "Battle of the sexes" and we shared the honours - 1 game each. Watched the CD of the wedding which was nice. Fell asleep! Maestro background programme was interesting, Strictly come dancing Christmas special. Port and stilton and different cheeses. Eventually to bed after midnight. Boxing Day Louise and Tom off to QPR v Charlton. A man from Old Coulsdon rang - he had enjoyed the Haydn at Midnight Mass and his wife would like to join the choir! It was their first visit to St Andrew's. Delighted to be given the CD. At 10 p.m. had a long Skype chat to Ann, Paul, Mark and Clare. St Stephen is the first martyr and the patron saint of deacons and servers.