We were delighted to welcome Fr Grant Bolton-Debbage from All Saints New Cross Road to celebrate communion with us at our Patronal Festival on 25 July 2021. Our two church families came together at St James’ and it was great to see several members returning for the first time since lockdown.
Fr Grant’s sermon was full of encouragement for the future and we felt blessed by his words.
In spite of occasional drizzle, the BBQ was a joyous affair and we were pleased to have as our guests several of the clergy from the deanery who have supported us during our vacancy. One comment we received afterwards said that “This is a diverse congregation who are really welcoming. I could feel the love of Christ in action here right from the time we entered the Church, even from the children.”
We thank God for all the volunteers who organised the event, especially the stalwart few at the end who had to take down the gazebos when the heavens finally opened and the rain poured down!