We were honoured to welcome the Mayor of Adlington, Councillor Beverley Speers, and her husband, John Speers, to a Requiem Mass at St Paul's on Saturday. The First Citizen led villagers in praying for the repose of the soul of Her Late Majesty The Queen.The Mass was celebrated by the Vicar, Father Graeme Buttery, who preached movingly about Queen Elizabeth II's devotion to duty and her deep faith in the Lord Jesus. At the end, the congregation stood to sing two verses of the National Anthem, the first time in over seventy years that "God Save the King" has been heard in our church.
New nature zones have been appearing in the church grounds this month, as we have started to develop ways to ecourage wildlife such as bees, butterflies and hedgehogs. The zones are part of a new Church of England project to become carbon neutral and to ensure that our churchyards promote wildlife. Ben, a member of our congregation has been working on the zones with friends, but they would be delighted to have some help. Even if you can only spare an hour or two, or know anyone else who would be interested, please speak to Fr Graeme, William, Audrey or Ben for more information.
We were delighted to welcome Bishop Philip to confirm eight of our young people at a lovely service at 7.00pm on Thursday 7th July. Well over a hundred people attended to show their support and to offer prayers as these people made this important step in their Christian journey. Afterwards, Bishop Philip celebrated mass, and the newly-confirmed received their first communion.The Mass was followed by a big party at the back of church, with food, and two wonderful cakes provided by members of the congregation.
It was a pleasure to welcome the new Mayor of Adlington, Councillor Bev Speers, to Church for the traditional Civic Sunday Service on 26th June. The congregation prayed for Bev as she takes on this important role as a figurehead for our community. The hymns were all Bev's favourites, and it was wonderful to sing them to the rousing accompaniment of the Rivington and Adlington Brass Band.Afterwards there was a reception in the Church Club, at which various awards were presented to members of the community in recognition of their service to Adlington and District.
