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He began his sermon by thanking the Rev'd John Furst, the House for Duty Priest at Bromsberrow, for his ministry in Gloucestershire in several parishes. John was finally retiring at the end of the month to live in the diocese, so he would be able to come back to help in the benefice from time to time. The bishop said that the combination of an intelligent and caring person made for an excellent priest. (Return to top)
The bishop went on to talk about Holy Communion, explaining the meaning of the different names - the Lord's Supper, Eucharist, Holy Communion and Mass, before pointing out that in the Service we commemorate Jesus birth, death and resurrection. As Jesus was present in the baby born in Bethlehem, so he's present in the Holy Communion, as his body was broken and blood shed at his crucifixion, so we break the bread and share the wine, and remembering the meal on the evening of his resurrection when two Apostles recognised him in the breaking of bread at a meal on the road to Emmaus, so we celebrate the resurrection in the breaking of bread. (Return to top)
At the end of the Service the bishop had time to invite four children to come out and help him explain what makes a bishop, and what he does, by identifying the parts of his dress that are peculiar to a bishop. His hat (mitre) reminds us of the Holy Spirit that landed like fire on the heads of the disciples at Pentecost - the bishop calls down the Holy Spirit on the people, especially at confirmation and ordination. His staff (Crozier or shepherds crook) - the bishop is a pastor or shepherd of the people. His ring with the Latin words "ut unum sint" around it meaning "so that they might be one" - showing that the bishop is to unite us all. His 'pectoral' cross (exposed on a chain resting on his chest) with an engraving of Jesus that points out that he is to reveal Jesus' and his teaching to us. (Return to top)
After the Service, the people shared coffee and chocolate biscuits! (Return to top)
We followed our usual 'Family Service' format but with readings specific to creation and animals, including the account of God's promise to Noah 'and all the animals' in the Book of Genesis that he wouldn't flood the world again, and a poem by St Francis of Assisi about birds, plus hymns related to the theme accompanied by Bob May, our Musical Director, on a keyboard. The choir sang the song 'My Dog' and, as an anthem, 'A Song of Creation' by Malcolm Archer. (Return to top)
In her sermon, the guest minister Rev'd Marilyn Adsetts pointed out that dogs trust us for everything, and asked 'Do we trust God that way to provide for us too? She then blessed the animals as well as the people, and there was coffee for people and dog treats for the pets after! (Return to top)
We will then need to fit-out the toilet area with wall tiles and sanitary ware - which we hope to have complete in time for our next concert in church, which is in October. (Return to top)