This was the third United Church Sunday I had been to, and as soon as I heard it announced I put it in the diary. Despite the rain, it was a really good day of coming together – only two services with the picnic lunch in between. I spent most of the day at church, helping at creche for the early service, always an enjoyable time, and then going to the service to hear the next part of the “Body Beautiful” sermon series, as well as to worship in song. There were plenty of friends to meet at the picnic, from all services, as well as new friends to meet, including one who had only been attending the church for a few weeks. It was a bit noisier being indoors, but there was a happy hubhub going on while we enjoyed our fellowship. As well as picnicking, there was face-painting, a treasure hunt and other activities to keep the kids entertained. The picnic time finished with a very popular “Splat the Vicars”. The children seemed very enthusiastic at hurling wet sponges – despite a rumour of prayer from the Jon that the rain would continue and his soaking would not go ahead, the sun came out, ending the picnic time on a wonderful note!
Mary Grocutt
Coming from being a regular at the 8am congregation, where the attendance is between 15-20 people in the chapel, seeing the church completely full was an amazing sight. The 8am is a traditional service with communion and no singing so it was lovely to break out into song, though I was totally clueless with the hand actions at one point!
Having a picnic inside the church and catching up with people I have not had the opportunity to speak to in a while was wonderful, as well as getting to know new church family.
It was great to see the sun come out towards the end of lunch to allow the children to practice their sponge throwing at Jon, Ian and Adam – I wonder if it’s going to be a regular monthly event?!
David Howse
The arts and crafts room was buzzing with enthusiastic children busily painting dinosaur money boxes. It was wonderful to see the concentration on their faces. It attracted all ages of children from very little ones to those in their early teens. The wet weather certainly didn’t spoil this activity!
Penny McCrabbe
