From the Manse  June 2002

Pentecost weekend is over.  The event proved to be an outstanding success.  It provided the opportunity for old members of the Church to recall previous occasions while allowing members who have joined in subsequent years to appreciate something of the rich heritage of faith they have entered into.  Former members rejoiced to see the current church vibrant and active.

A record will be compiled of the Saturday evening's event, comprising the displays and the transcripts of the presentations, as an ongoing record of the church for future generations.  However, records fail to capture the enthusiasm and humour of the moment.

An estimated 200 shared in the Sunday morning worship, with some 160 people celebrating communion while leaders and children enjoyed the creative influence of the Holy Spirit making ‘flame hats’ and learning a new song which, in turn, they taught to the congregation.

The participation of Syd Dorling in worship and the Rev Norman Plumb at Communion linked the past membership with the present, as everyone committed themselves to the future.

Sunday lunch at the University will be remembered for a long time.

The setting, the presentation and quality of the food was good, but the wait to be served was so, so ,so long!  We were all taught a lesson in patience.  At the table, minds were stretched by Chris Songer's quizzes while, as groups of 12 seated around each table, everyone happily engaged in conversation.  It is rare to enjoy good company over an extended meal.

For nearly three hours we talked to folk with whom, previously, we had only passed polite courtesies.  It was Pentecost!  Was not the Holy Spirit telling us something?  As a church, we know some members very well, but others not so well - and some not at all.  If we are really honest, there are some whose names we do not know and others whom we are hard pressed to recognise.

Sunday lunch was a valuable experience, for we joked, and questioned and entered into serious discussion, during which we discovered a lot about each other.  At the end of the meal, we came away richer.

The structure of church life does not offer many such opportunities.  Perhaps we have discovered, by accident, something which is as old as the hills; yet new.  Or was it the Holy Spirit inviting us to look again at ways of building an even deeper quality of fellowship?  It has made me think and now I leave the question with you.

We thank God for a challenging and inspiring time over the Church Reunion Weekend and Pentecost.

God bless you all,

Robin Davies