The positive effects of singing are well documented: it raises endorphins, reduces stress and draws more oxygen into the blood. It’s crucial to help people of all ages feel included within a group towards the future. whilst instilling a feeling of “going forward” and looking towards the future.
To this end a group have come up with the idea of virtual singing weeks, culminating in an outside concert sing-along in Balmaghie Churchyard once restrictions are lifted. Pauline Drysdale said, ‘Lady Susan Ross, Lorna MacLeod and myself felt there was an opportunity to get people together ‘virtually’ to sing and learn a number of mixed hymns and songs, The talented Kate Picken and Jennifer Picken have kindly come on board and have pulled together the first virtual song “The Prayer” (see below for song 1 lyrics)
Kate and Jennifer Picken
Lady Ross added “The response has been marvellous and so many people within our community are excited to hear the first song which they will learn and sing along to. We are absolutely delighted to have the wonderful Kate & Jennifer on board to guide us and we have songs, suitable for all ages, in the pipeline which we will upload each week!”
Lorna MacLeod at Balmaghie Sacred Landscape Trust said, “It does feel strange not being able to set a definitive date as yet, but it will be fun to learn and sing new songs over the next few weeks. The public group sing-along overlooking Loch Ken will provide a spectacular venue and we hope to see lots of people turn up to celebrate our sense of community spirit. Once the event comes to a close the bells will be rung and we also hope to light up the Kirk.”
People will be able to donate online, or on the day of the event itself to local NHS and care & key workers. Keep an eye on this website for more information or visit https://www facebook.com/Balmaghie Sacred Landscape Trust
Song 1 – The Prayer
We pray you’ll be our eyes and watch us where we go
and teach us to be wise in times when we don’t know.
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way.
Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
to a place where we’ll be safe.
We pray we’ll find your light and hold it in our hearts
as darkness falls each night, reminds us where you are.
Let this be our prayer when shadows fill our day.
Lead us to a place, guide us with Your grace
to a place where we’ll be safe.
Lead us, Lord, lead us in your righteousness
make your way plain for us to see.
Lead us, Lord, lead us in your righteousness;
make your way plain for us to see.
We pray we’ll find your light, and hold it in our hearts
as darkness falls each night, reminds us where you are
Let this be our prayer, just like every child
needs to find a place, guide us with your grace.
to a place where we’ll be safe.
Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace,
to a place where we’ll be safe. Lead us, Lord.