Moments of Grace: A Month of Love, Community, and Spiritual Milestones

31 Aug 2023

August opened with a heartwarming ceremony as three cherished souls—Claydon, Preston, and Paisley—were welcomed into our spiritual community through baptism, officiated by Reverend Phil Waldron. Surrounded by loving friends and family, the service was a gentle, introspective moment for all present. The congregation was moved by the uplifting hymns "Give Me Joy in My Heart" and "One More Step Along the World I Go."

A highlight of the ceremony was Reverend Phil's insightful reflection on the etymology and spiritual significance of each child's name. This cherished tradition enriches the rite, and serves as a unique expression of the joy and wonderment that each new life brings to our community.

On Saturday, August 12th, our community was aglow with the joyous union of two couples, one of which was Adrian and Sarah. With Adrian's family joining us all the way from France, the atmosphere was imbued with a certain 'je ne sais quoi' that lent an international flair to the occasion

Adrian gracefully recited the traditional reading from 1st Corinthians, sharing the timeless words of love and commitment in fluent French. Adding to the multicultural tapestry of the day, the best man eloquently offered translations of the Wedding Blessing and the poignant 'Last Kiss before the First Kiss,' also in French.

We extend our heartfelt blessings to Sarah and Adrian as they embark on this beautiful journey of marital bliss.

On Saturday, August 12th, the atmosphere inside the church was nothing short of transformative, thanks in part to the tireless efforts of Wedding Coordinator Izzie Major and Reverend Phil Waldron. They skilfully orchestrated the setting for Nicholas and Alexandra's nuptial ceremony, welcoming a new wave of guests who filled the sanctuary with anticipation.

The ceremony was deeply traditional and profoundly heartfelt. A reading of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 imbued the space with a timeless sense of love and constancy, reminding all present that 'Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.' The congregation joined in unison to sing two cherished hymns, 'Jerusalem' and 'Lord of the Dance,' both perennial favourites that added an extra layer of emotional richness to this joyous occasion.

On Sunday, August 13th, 2023, our community was blessed with the return of Luke and Harriet, who were married in these sacred walls back in 2019. This time, they graced us with the presence of their two beautiful daughters, Lola and Raphaella, for a touching baptismal ceremony. Reverend Phil Waldron officiated the service, weaving moments of humour and laughter into the ritual, adding a light-hearted touch to this deeply spiritual occasion. It was, indeed, a day filled with immense joy and spiritual enrichment.On Sunday 13th August 2023, a return of Luke and Harriet who got married in 2019, this time they brought with them two beautiful girls, Lola and Raphaella for a baptism. The service was led by the Rev. Phil who brought humour and laughter to the service... a wonderful day.