These boards which hang I every church of most denominations never fail to tell me more about the approach each parish takes towards taking care of the little things.
In simple terms a small shelf or blackboard for putting up hymn numbers for the congregation, a few of which might wish to know in advance just what they’ll be signing with vigour, and for others who lack audible hearing, a simple clue as to which page to turn to when everyone suddenly jumps up, puffs out their chests and makes a concerted effort to show their support with searing vocals.
I’m no aficionado, it has been said, so the digits tend to wash over me, however the craftsmanship to each of these tell tale boards draws me closer.
On occasions a psalm (or salter) may appear amidst the run of numbers, and these equally impress me with their scorched earth policy of joy and suffering, telling all what it is to be human after all.
Let me hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Psalm 51.8