40th Anniversary Walk

16th May 2011

What a glorious afternoon it was as we met at Christ the Servant for the start of the Parish walk as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations. We were really pleased to see the good mix of members from both churches and, how strange, as we set off there were exactly forty of us!

We started with a short prayer outside the top door adjacent to the foundation stone and reminded ourselves that we are all living stones that make up our church. We used a prayer of blessing for the building that had been used at the dedication service.

We then walked through the streets of Digmoor and under Stannanought road, stopping at the other side to reflect on the way the parish was divided when the new road was built and the many barriers that affect communities today. On then to Beacon Country Park, away from the houses, to reflect on the need for some time out and drawing closer to God in creation as Jesus did. We stood in the stillness with the sun warming us, listening to the birds singing. Our walk then took us across the fields to the Rectory and then along the road to St Thomas the Martyr where it was wonderful to be greeted by another twenty members from both congregations.

After a prayer of blessing for the building we moved inside for a service celebrating our commitment to work together across the parish. We heard extracts from the Parish Magazine circa 1970 and had the opportunity of creating a visible symbol of our unity and praying for all aspects of our mission in this place. Afternoon tea was a lovely way to finish the event.

Thankyou to everyone who came and took part. There was a tremendous sense of fellowship, a celebration of all that we have done and an eagerness to continue to work and grow together.