Watch Night

3.5 hours later, we are finished.  That is after about 3 hours of rehearsals yesterday.

 We did open in prayer, for all those in attendance, and also for the viewers, in the hope they will get something from the broadcast.

But it was only about half of a recording.  Half the hymns were recorded by another group of singers in the local area earlier today.  And also half the bells - the sound engineer didn't do midnight, he used 6pm and doubled it.  It's going to be interesting to see how the church looked lit for television, as what the eye sees is completely different to what the camera sees.

It's an unusual act of worship, but I think it's an important one.  The audience for the Watch Night service is 250,000.  It's a privilege to be a very small part of a church service that has so many people watching.  The reasons people are watching, well we don't know.  Perhaps they can't get to their own church so late, perhaps they don't ever attend church, yet it wouldn't be Christmas without some of the old tunes.  Whatever the reason, I pray they find it a spiritual experience.

The broadcast will be on the BBC at 11:20 (I think) on 24th December.  If you are looking for me, I'm somewhere in the middle, standing next to Mrs Gerbil.

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Just heard an impromptu singing of Praise my soul the king of heaven. Actually very good.

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My feet are killing me! Much more respect for Choirs now. I didn't appreciate how much work singing is. Hopefully only one more hymn to go although I think the minister has a speaking part to come.

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I think I've just had a close up. Hope this isn't HD!

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First run through of the first hymn. Then another two takes for good measure.

Coughing is forbidden!

Live Blogging from Watch Night

I'm at a recording for the BBC watch night service. The historic church interior is full of camera equipment,lights etc. One man is currently up a ladder adjusting a spotlight and is in danger of plummeting to his demise or burning his head on the next light over.

From all over Presbytery, people have dug out their festive jumpers.

More to follow...