The Feast of the Ascension - Solemn Evensong

I went to The Chapel of the Cross for their Solemn Evensong for the Feast of the Ascension. The main draw: The Revd. Professor Peter Gomes made a return visit to preach. He is an amazing preacher, and he preached on Ascension, being that "forgotten" feast between Easter and Pentecost. I was sitting way in the back, and it was difficult to hear him, so unfortunately, I was only able to catch every other word. But he certainly knows how to keep your attention, and he injected his sermon with a touch of humour.
The Senior Choir, as usual, did a wonderful job. (And for me, there was a strong nostalgic feeling. I'm sure if I had a voice, Van would have been happy to have me join in with the choir for this occasion. My voice is still quite raspy, and I haven't my singing voice back yet.)

With that, the Order of Worship, including all the Liturgical Parts. The Officiant was the newly-returned-from-sabbatical, the Revd. Stephen Elkins-Williams; the Preacher was the Revd. Dr. Peter Gomes. The organist was Dr. Van Quinn, with the organist for the choir being Dr. Susan Moeser.

Voluntary
Two movements from L'Ascension (Olivier Messiaen)

• Majesté du Christ demandant sa gloire à son Père
• Prière du Christ montant vers son Père

Introit
Ascendit Deus (Peter Philips)

Opening Sentences

The Invitatory and Psalter
Preces and Responses (setting by William Smith (1603-1645))
Hymn 34, Christ mighty Savior (INNISFREE FARM)
Psalm 47: Omnes gentes, plaudite (Anglican Chant setting: Robert Cooke)

The First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11

Magnificat in d minor (Thomas Attwood Walmisley)

The Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23

Nunc dimittis in d minor (Walmisley)

The Apostles' Creed (sung on a monotone)

The Prayers (setting by Smith)
Salutation
Kyrie eleison
The Lord's Prayer (sung on a monotone)
Suffrages
The Collect of the Day
Prayers (ending with a luscious Amen)

The General Thanksgiving
The Prayer of St. Chrysostom
The Grace

Sermon (The Revd. Dr. Peter Gomes)

Offertory
God is gone up with a triumphant shout (Gerald Finzi)

The Collect for Church Musicians and Artists

Benediction

Hymn 214: Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia! (LLANFAIR)

Voluntary
Hymne d'Action de grâces: "Te Deum" (Jean Langlais)