Fr. Matthew from St. Thomas’ C. E. Brentwood told us about his journey into ministry. As a choirboy at Wells Cathedral he felt that becoming a priest would be his obvious future. His teenage years led to drifting away from attending church as well as this feeling. He become a jazz musician, playing the saxophone. He joined the army and latterly during his twelve years the idea strongly remerged. His time in Afghanistan and working with refugees confirmed this feeling. He trained for the ministry for two years at St. Stephen’s college in Oxford. At the final service at his time at the college, the guest preacher was a Bishop from the USA. Matthew was amazed to discover that he had been a curate at St. Thomas’ and lived in the same house that would be for Matthew and his family. The end of his college time and also the beginning of his curacy were in lockdown; far from ideal. The deaconing service at Chelmsford Cathedral in September had been under very restricted circumstances, with very small numbers of guests allowed to attend. This was in stark contract to the priesting service at St. Thomas’ where there was a packed church. This included a military fanfare! Matthew felt that the role of a priest is to be there for people and to be alongside them in their lives. Through the sacraments of the church, people can be strengthened to be come better people.
Playlist
Roger Taylor & K.T. Tunsell – Just trying to get by – a new release.
Jason Mraz – Have it all
Stevie Wonder – Isn’t she lovely. Chosen by Matthew.
Phil Collins – Against all odds. During his time in the army Matthew said that he must have played the saxophone break on this track 200 times in all kinds of venues including T.V. studios and vast stadiums.
Michael Jackson – Man in the middle. As a musician, Matthew felt there was much to admire in the music of Michael Jackson. He also felt that his music made you feel happy.
The Friday teaser
Debbi Peterson is the drummer in the Bangles. She recently celebrated her 60th birthday. We hear 1986’s USA no 6, and in six other countries, and UK no3 Walk like an Egyptian.
Multi Grammy award winner Kacey Musgraves is now 33 years of age. We heard Wonderwoman from her 2018 album Golden hour which was a USA no 4 and UK no 6.
Kim Sledge is the second youngest of the four sister that comprise the group Sister Sledge. Their 1979 album We are family brought the to international attention. We heard the title track from the album, which as a single was a USA no 2 and UK no 8. Kim Sledge celebrated her 64th birthday.
Matthew in the studio played Patrick online in Ingatestone. Matthew was the closet with all three tracks, sharing the age different with Patrick for Debbi Peterson. It is now three weeks running that the winner has been the studio guest.
Michael Buble – Love you again –from his 2018 album Love the debut and no 1.
Switchfoot – Hope is the anthem – from the 2016 album Where the light shines through.
Soul II Soul – Back to reality. Patrick requested this UK no1 and USA no 4 from 1989.
Everly Brothers – Wake up little Suzie – USA no 1 UK no2 from 1957. Remembering Don Everly.
Earlier this year we did a series of special shows with enthusiasts about particular artists sharing their love of the music. Tim Goodbody talked about the Rolling Stones. He joined us today to share his appreciation of drummer Charlie Watts. We heard Paint it black, a USA no1 and UK no 1 from 1966.
Simply Red – Money too tight to mention – played to remember keyboard player with the band, Fritz McIntyre. In recent years he lived in Florida where he was music director of a large church.
Chart this week in 1978
The Commodores in 1978.
Lionel Ritchie now.
No 1 The Commodores – Three times a lady – written by Lionel Ritchie.
No 2 Darts – Its raining – Remembering the lead singer on this track with the distinctive falsetto voice, Bob Fish.
Join me next week when my guest is Paul Dawson. He will be talking about the Tudor festival on 11th of September 11 am – 5pm at Ingatestone Hall.