Lesley Barry introduces the new members of the sound team
A few months ago Richard Allen and I were wondering how we would manage the sound desk with Nigel Benning moving away, combined with Richard’s three-month holiday coming up at the end of this year. With the many services at Christmas to cover, it would be down to Chris Oliver and myself. We have tried to recruit over a period of six years but, for many reasons, people haven’t responded. However, during this chat, I remember Richard wisely saying, “God will sort it out.” And how right he was! Prayer and trust were the order of the day. ‘But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.’ Romans 8: 25
Several weeks later, Andy put out a plea for helpers one Sunday morning … first three of our lovely congregation came forward and then a fourth! God in His perfect timing has multiplied the sound team in wonderful ways. I asked a few of the new ‘soundies’ to reflect on how it’s been so far, here are their responses:
“I used to take it for granted each Sunday – being able to hear the sermon, the readings and the worship wherever I sat in church. Now I know from my training that it doesn’t just happen! There’s a lot of preparation, anticipation and sound judgement (sorry) required. The sound-desk is like a small version of the console in the Tardis, with big controls, but also many small mysterious dials. So next time you hear a crackle from the head mic or a screech from the lectern, it’s probably me at the back of the church gaining some valuable experience.”
“I am enjoying the experience. Many years ago I worked on the manufacture of sound decks, they were much larger then. I would like to say thank you for this opportunity to be part of the sound team.”
“Andy mentioned there was shortage of volunteers for the sound desk. I prayed and felt the urge to volunteer. With no previous experience, I knew it would be a challenge, but exciting at the same time. The training and support has been great. I’m still learning as each Sunday is different, but thoroughly enjoying it.”
Please pray for our new recruits, Duncan Clark, Derek Beverley, Peter Turner, and Chris Dale as they take on this challenge, serving God and bringing glory to Him through the sound desk.
Lesley Barry, sound team
