Storms often leave damage to lives and property, followed by a period of calm and then the enormous energy needed to rebuild. The Covid-19 pandemic, which is still raging in parts of the world, hit our country 18 months ago and everyone has been affected in some way.
To help each other rebuild we need to take a moment to remember the effect of the damage, personally, in our families and friendships, our community and country. “After the Storm?” Invites you to take time to reflect and consider what you have lost and how you can move forward into calm.
“After the Storm?” Is a series of events taking place at St Stephen’s Church, Norwich in September. It will be free and open to all.
Exhibition
Well respected Norfolk artists Frances Martin, Richard Cleland, Gwyneth Fitzmaurice, Liz Monahan, Mandy Rogers, L.S Walker and Helen Wells will provide visual images to help us reflect on the last 18 months. The exhibition will run alongside the Café during normal opening times Monday – Saturday, 10am – 3pm.
An interactive space will include materials for use by the public to express for themselves how they perceive the pandemic and how they reflect on the times of lockdown.
Guest speakers, the Revd Canon Peter Doll from the Anglican cathedral, Rabbi Binyamin Sheldrake from the Adat Yeshua Messianic Synagogue and Andrew Frere-Smith of Imagine Norfolk, will with some artists, reflect on selected art works on Sunday 19 September at 7pm.
Any donations will go towards the work of St Stephen’s which includes supporting the homeless and restoring the organ which is part of Norwich’s musical heritage.
All events are free of charge and open to all.
Concerts
A reflective concert where “After the Storm?” is expressed in music, readings and prayers with the Norwich Community Gospel Choir – Saturday 18 September at 7.30pm. Tickets available from the St Stephen’s office.
A gala concert at St Peter Mancroft of organ music that was written by people experiencing or observing the storminess of life. It will include pieces by Bach and Mendelssohn along with improvisation based on the exhibition’s artwork and the hymn “It is well with my soul”, brought to the audience by organist John Overton. Now living in Lowestoft, he has a long career of performance and direction in churches and theatre in Malmo, Sweden, and Nova Scotia, Canada. This concert launches an appeal for funds to restore the St Stephen’s organ. – Saturday 25 September 7pm.
Please book in if you would like to visit one or both concerts. All tickets are free of charge.
Any donations will go towards the work of St Stephen’s, which includes supporting the homeless.