Therapeuo

There are three main Greek words for worship in the New Testament.  The most common (PROSKUNEO) means to prostrate, or bow down as to kiss in homage; you’ll find it in John 4:23 as Jesus describes true worshippers. Another (LATREUO) means an act of religious service or worship; Paul uses it in Romans 12:1 and it’s related to our word ‘liturgy’. A third (SEBO) appears mainly in the book of Acts and means to reverence or hold in awe. You might ask which of these you are up to every Sunday. But there is a fourth, little used word, (THERAPEUO), which has two interesting dimensions that particularly intrigue a musician like me. In Acts 17:25 you’ll see it used in the sense of serving and worship; in Matthew 4:23&24 you’ll see it used to describe the healing ministry of Jesus. Look again at THERAPEUO and you can see the word ‘therapy’ struggling to get out. Enough of the Greek lesson, but you’ll probably get why Malmesbury Abbey’s partnership with Music for Autism over the last few years has been profoundly significant in the lives of young and old, and a deeply moving act of hospitality in the midst of which God has been at work.

This Wednesday, July 2nd, Music for Autism are back at the Abbey. Drop in during the day if you can. From 11am-12pm children and young people on the autistic spectrum from schools across Wiltshire & South Gloucestershire get the chance to dance, sing and conduct with professional musicians and an international conductor guiding the music making.

Then at 2pm there is a concert for seniors. All are invited, but there is a special invitation extended to those living with dementia and their carers as music and songs from a few decades ago unlocks memories and emotions, and for many brings deep joy. Stay for a cuppa and a slice of cake after this.

Then at 7.30pm the church needs to turn up for a fantastic concert of beautiful music. We really, really need your £10 for your ticket, and your donation for your glass of bubbly at the interval. All the proceeds fund the work of Music for Autism earlier in the day. So this is me being a bit pushy for once (!). Drop in during the day if you can, but turn up this Wednesday evening and facilitate something wonderfully life-giving in our community. God is at work.