Parish Praise
The first Parish Praise service took place on the January 27, 2008. What follows is the write-up from the March 2008 Parish Magazine.
A change in the worshipping pattern of any congregation causes mixed emotions – we are out of our comfort zone and into the unknown. David Busk, at the Parish Meeting in the autumn, had outlined his vision for bringing the Christian message to those who might find the experience of coming to church rather intimidating.
So it was that, after much publicity and planning, St Anne’s School opened its doors on 27 January to Parish Praise. The time of 11 am meant a lie-in for some, and for parents and carers a chance to get the children’s breakfast ready without too much rush. The welcome was warm and personal and the school hall felt friendly – no chance of hiding in quiet pews or behind pillars! It was noticeable that before the service people chattered to their neighbours. There were many familiar faces but also a goodly number of new ones.
The service was simple but joyful, with carefully chosen modern hymns, the choir supporting the singing from the congregation. The reading was from Matthew 4:18-23 – Jesus calling his first disciples. David used a net as a visual aid, with the children enthusiastically helping to demonstrate how we are supported by God’s love. It was wonderful to see so many children happily participating in God’s praise.
At the end of the service we all had an opportunity to chat and make the newcomers feel welcome over a splendid buffet lunch. We need not have worried...it was all wonderful. Thank you, David, and all who helped you.
Here are some photographs from the lunch following the first Parish Praise:
We believe that the Parish Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester, exists to build up the individual and corporate spiritual life of our Church and to spread the love of Christ through word and deed, by enabling those who live and work within our town to come into contact with God’s love and come to faith in Christ.