Inspirational Evensong

With something new comes a sense of anticipation and celebration, even when the new something is the ancient treasure of Evensong.

Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery has planned a series of Evensong services and the first was held on Sunday 29^th June 2025 in St. Petroc’s Church, Bodmin.

Revd Jeffrey Terry led the service, Revd Professor Andrew Lewis had the role of cantor and organist Robert Christie accompanied congregational hymns and Deanery Choir.

The Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery Choir, under the leadership of Gareth Stubberfield, meets occasionally to support special services both within the deanery and at Truro Cathedral. The choir will next be singing in the cathedral on 11th October for the Licenced Lay Ministers' annual service and will have a key role in the series of deanery Evensong services. 

Evensong is something new to Mike Foster, an attendee of St. Petroc’s Church, Bodmin. A member of several choirs, Mike was invited to join the Deanery Choir.

Mike explains his experience: “It’s something different for me and a new challenge. I’ve not sung Psalm 16 or the Magnificat before. During rehearsals and the service itself, I felt relaxed and consequently my voice sounded better. You can’t tense up as there’s so much going on and you don’t have time to stop and think – you simply go with the flow. I also enjoyed the chants with cantor and congregation. It’s an uplifting experience to be part of a service rather than giving a performance.”

The choir’s singing resounded off the walls bringing with it a transformative atmosphere of worship.

Animated Bible readings by Revd Paul Holley and Revd Jules Williams brought clarity of meaning to the passages.

Revd Jeffrey Terry expounded the Old Testament account of Jacob, who under his mother’s direction, stole his father’s blessing intended for Esau. Despite their flaws, God’s plan was accomplished. Revd Terry asked those present to reflect on a question: What are we to do for God’s Kingdom? The deanery is made up of people with imperfections, shortcoming and flaws, just as with Jacob and his mother, but we can work together to build God’s Kingdom in this part of Cornwall.

Revd Terry spurred on the congregation further with an update on the progress of the Deanery plan written in response to the ‘On The Way’ initiative. Four of the twelve deaneries in the Diocese of Truro have received the green light from an auditor indicating the superb progress their plans are making. The Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery is one of the four. 

Many projects have been supported financially by deanery funds including pioneer ministries, parish nurse, school liaison and youth and family workers. The Strategic Rural Dean, Revd Jeffrey Terry, gave a stirring call to churches to continue to be creative congregations coming up with new projects, and when they do, to contact the deanery as funds are still available.

The series of deanery Evensong services are set to be a blessing for everyone who attends.