On Palm Sunday we welcomed over 20 in church and nearly 50 on Zoom in the afternoonDuring Holy Week our short services of reflection welcomed 20-25 each night to a series of fascinating talksOn Good Friday we welcomed around a dozen folk in church and around 30 folk on ZoomOn Easter Sunday around 30 enjoyed singing outside church while the organ played inside - a real treat - and in the afternoon we welcomed around 30 on Zoom
On Sunday December 20th, 24 of us enjoyed a Service of Lessons and Carols at 11am, led by members of the Cantelina Choir, conducted by Rosemary Kimmins. It was super to meet together, and to hear such lovely singing, on this special occasion.On Christmas Eve, 48 folk from near and far met on Zoom for Christmas Communion. with about half from our own benefice and the others from further afield - including family and friends from the United States - illustrating the extraordinary power of new media to bring folk together from across the world, and create real sense of community.On Christmas Day, 22 folk met in a bitterly cold churchyard to receive Christmas Communion in celebration of the birth of Christ.What splendid occasions, making community in a mix of ways.
We are amazed by the numbers who have joined our Zoom services; it has been a real delight to welcome so many - and astonishing that some have come from so far afield. Our final weekly service on September 30th saw 48 come together for worship with 22 from America, as well as others from the benefice, from other parts of England and from Scotland. It has been an exciting journey, opening up new ways of being church, drawing folk together with a real sense of community.But the time seems right to draw back a little as folk return to church. However, we will continue to offer a monthly service at 5pm on the first Sunday of each month for those who wish to renew acquaintances or for whom attending church is still difficult.We are grateful to all those who have supported the services - whether as speakers, musicians, readers and intercessors, and most importantly in just passing the word along. It has been a real team effort; thank you.
