The last few days of June have seen us involved in a range of farewells and hellos. June 24th turned into a whole day of celebrations. At the 10 a.m. Mass we said farewell to Wendy-May as she moves to become the curate of Holy Trinity Fareham. We will miss her, her singing, and her reflective and thoughtful intercessions delivered with that distinctive ‘lilt’. After the 10 a.m. Mass some members of the Church joined local civic leaders and others in a celebratory parade along Clive Road to Kingston Rec. The Samba band set a joyful tone – and made conversation in the procession impossible – and it was good to see the Deputy Lady Mayoress and our MP dancing enthusiastically the length of Clive Road! The Parade marked both the ‘Great Get Together’ in which we joined with communities across the country in celebrating those things which unite us rather than fear the things which are different. It was certainly a very diverse cross section of ages, cultures and backgrounds that joined in or greeted the parade as it passed. It also marked the completion of the Kingston Rec play park. It seems to be universally agreed that this is now the best play area in the City and was enjoyed in the bright sunshine by a large number of children. The adults also joined in and there are some videos of the Lord Mayor, followed by Father Bob and then Father Darcy on the zip wire …. Sadly, the magazine cannot show you moving images! Then after this there was a Baptism service at 4 p.m. before we gathered at Saint Faith’s to say farewell and thank you to Revd Barbara for her ministry across the Parish.
In the midst of all this England beat Panama!
The celebrations continued as we gathered at the Cathedral to share in the Ordination of Wendy-May alongside Julie Minter and Jeannette Heyward – both of whom had spent time with us on placements – and Father Marcus. Later in the day we returned to support Revds Mary Kells and Kate Marlow as they were ordained Priest – both former members of the Parish. The following day we welcomed Father Marcus to Saint Mary’s and in a special service we reminded ourselves of the nature of the Diaconal ministry – and, of course, enjoyed some cake (2 cakes in 8 days!)
Earlier in June we were joined by the Dickens Fellowship for their Annual Commemoration of the death of Charles Dickens.
In the midst of all the celebrations other regular activities have been taking place and we are looking forward to the summer and the plans for using the Churchyard.