Kerygma Choir mark the end of an era
The Kerygma Choir marked both their 10th Anniversary and the end of an era with a wonderful Christmas Concert on Saturday 13 December in Down Cathedral.
The cathedral was where it all began in 2015 when the choir performed at the diocesan St Patrick’s Day Festival Service attended by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. Now, ten eventful years later, Musical Director, Lorna Palmer Wagstaff, is stepping down.
Bishop Harold Miller spoke of how he had invited Lorna to form the choir for the Diocesan Year of Mission in 2015 and thanked them for their faithful presentation of the good news of the Gospel over the years.
The choir have performed in many places, including The Houses of Parliament and Parliament Buildings at Stormont and on Saturday evening were reunited with Eurovision winner Dana, who sang her song Light the Fire. The wonderful Junior Kerygma also took part and violinist Hayley Howe performed a stunning violin solo during what was a packed programme introduced by Revd Adrian Dorrian. Bishop David shared a Christmas reflection in which he urged us to make room for Jesus this Christmas.
Lorna took the opportunity to thank the musicians and choir which had become like a family for everyone involved. Both Lorna and Bishop David acknowledged the love and support of Lorna’s late husband, the Revd David Palmer, who died shortly after retiring from full-time ministry.
There were thanks and presentations, joy and tears, but chiefly, an overwhelming sense of worship and gratitude as we enjoyed a wonderful evening of music together.
As a diocese are grateful to Lorna and the choir for filling our churches with praise on many occasions and for sharing the Good News of the Gospel through song.
