On a windy autumnal Sunday, it was a real pleasure to attend the All Saints Church in Woodchurch for the District’s traditional biennial Church Service, a Thanksgiving Evensong.
Ill. Bro the Reverend Philip Gordon Cox 32° began by welcoming the large gathering in attendance and gave thanks to the Reverend Sue Rose, the Church Team, and the Organist Kevin Bull, for hosting the service at the historical Church.
To exemplify our Order’s strong encouragement to ‘Observe the commandment to love one another’, the theme of the service was very much one of love, care, and compassion, which was most evident in the readings given by our Inspector General, Roger Waltham (St. Matthew Chapter 22 verses 34-40) and our District Recorder, Trevor Youens (St John, Chapter 15, verses 10-17). The Reverend Cox reflected upon those readings in his engaging and meaningful sermon, in which he further encouraged us to act with care, kindness, and love in our daily lives.
Prayers of Intercession, which were delivered by Ill. Bro Tony Eldridge, continued to follow the theme and, in these troubled times, encouraged those present to pray for “Hope, Peace and the Healing of Nations”.
The well attended congregation, made up largely of members of our Order, regardless of their chosen faith, accompanied by their partners, families and friends, conveyed a warm sense of togetherness and everyone felt the gentle Brotherly Love present in the beautiful building. That warmth was enriched by the excellent organ music and was reflected as the Hymns were sung with loud voice.
Following the service, all present were invited to stay for a while to enjoy each other’s company and the generous hospitality of the Church Team as they served tea and beautiful home-made cakes. There were lots of friendly conversations going around for sure while everyone happily sipped their tea, and it was good to see so many faces and catch up with all the latest!
Also going round was the District’s “Newshound”, Ill. Bro Peter Herbert, who was armed with his camera and took the pictures you see here of some of those who had made the trip to Woodchurch.
We were all able to reflect on being a part of the thoroughly well-presented and wonderfully meaningful Service, where all present were gently but positively encouraged to love and care for one another.