Tuesday 15 October 2013

Overseas visitors welcomed

The Diocese of Canterbury hosted a Wider Church Partnerships conference.  I attended the conference day at the Cathedral yesterday and learned a great deal about a wide range of projects taking place in France, Germany, Sweden, Madagascar, Seychelles, Israel as well as locally in the diocese.  It was a great pleasure to welcome many of the overseas delegates to our Toddler group this morning, here are a few photos from the visit...









Sunday 6 October 2013

All creatures great and small...

Since Fr Tim left the parish I have found myself more involved in the public face of the parish; today was the annual Blessing of the Animals service at St Andrew's church.  It was a lovely occasion and there were cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters and a few owners too! We remembered beloved pets past and present as well as reflecting on the fact that pets need humans to care, provide and love them ('cuddle and kiss' them as one boy shared during the service); in a similar way we humans need God - although not everyone recognizes this need.  The creation story reminds us that humans are made to be like God and to care for the whole created order including animals and our pets.  As each animal was brought to me for a prayer, a stillness/calmness (I have not sensed before)came over them as I laid my hands on them and said a prayer.
Here are a few photos: