25 Ocotober Musselburgh Congregational Church

I went east to Edinburgh and then took the service at Musselburgh. A warm welcoming church who are now looking for a new minister as the previous minister has just retired after 42 years of ministry. We enjoyed a church lunch together.

20th October - 25th October - Scotland

During the week I spoke to the Tuesday Evening ladies group and Thursday Afternoon ladies group at Knightswood, and introduced belleplates (a type of hand bell).

There was also a chance during the week to see the work of the church and its community involvement. I was even present at their council meeting to really find out how the church operated. The minister Alan Gibbon spent much of his valuable time with me to make a very worthwhile visit.






The Scripture Union Group which Alan takes in the local primary school.








An informal meeting of local congregational ministers.

18th October - Camarthen

Friends from Haverford West Congregational Church joined the Camarthen Congregational Church for the morning service. It was a chance for me to meet their minister Rev. Elwyn John and to chat to Rev. Chris Gilham about the Welsh Churches.

17th October - Bow Congregational Church

The Ordination Service for Colin Smallacombe was an inspiring occasion. The Reverend Dr Richard Cleeves as a representative of the training board carried out the ordination.











Greta White the Secretary of the South West Congregational Churches welcomed Colin.

14 October - Ide

A meeting over coffee with the members of the Ide Congregational Church when a useful conversation about all types of Congregational Federation matters took place.
Later we had lunch together in a pretty Devon pub. A worthwhile visit.

Sunday 11th October - continued

A chance to see the house church at Uppingham and chat to Peter and Trish Damen and hear about their plans.

Sunday 11th October

A harvest service at Oakham with a choir taking part, tea followed. A beautiful little church in the middle of the town with so much potential.

9th - 11th October

The Big Church Weekend at Hothorpe Hall was enjoyed by 60+ people.




Two of the teenagers showed some of the skills learnt from Steve the Juggler













The story telling group took part in the final worship

Tuesday 6th October

Wickwar Congregational Church ladies joined the Kingswood (Wotton) ladies bright hour. A lovely tea was enjoyed by all.

Sunday 4th October - Hawkeridge

Tea with the Church at Hawkeridge followed by a service. The little group there are working hard to put in water and toilets but are very enthusiastic and positive.

27th September part 2

Back to Church Sunday and a chance for Sandford Congregational Church to show off their new refurbished building, and welcome five new people to the service.

27th September part 1

Harvest festival at Southam Congregational Church, which also included a parade service. It was good to see a full church.

26th September

Mission & Society Committee (I forgot my camera!)

20th September

A wonderful and inspiring service when Helen Deane was ordained at the Signing Church in Scarborough. The Church gave her a Bible to mark the occasion.

19th September

Christian Ministries Committee

17th September

A meeting of the group visiting One Respe in the Dominican Republic. We met at the Christian Aid office. Please pray for Geoff, Pippa, Karen, Patrick, Philip, Richard, and Jill as we prepare to go out to the D.R. in November. Have a look at the latest information about the Congregational Federation Appeal.