A Bermondsey weekend

While we've all been  getting used to the election results - both locally and nationally - it's been a busy and varied weekend at St James.....


Yesterday we hosted a 'context day' for 17 trainee Readers. Readers are lay preachers within the CofE.

The Readers, along with the tutor, Simon, were in Bermondsey for the day to learn about our work as a united benefice and to see how the work of mission and ministry works out on the ground. It was good to meet them. As well as talks, videos, worship and discussion, the day included a guided walk around both parishes and that perfect complement to a Bermondsey day: lunch at the Blue.

Later that day, our local community choir which rehearses each week in St James, Bermondsey Voices,treated us to a wonderful concert, which included contributions from a visiting church choir from Sweden.

The Swedes brought us the hauntingly beautiful, Summer Hymn, often chosen by wedding couples in their home country, Bridge over Troubled Water, and a Swedish version of Psalm 23.

Bermondsey Voices kept the Swedish theme going with a couple of Abba numbers. Their repertoire ranged far and wide from Mozart to Vaughan Williams, including the choir's own tribute to Bermondsey heroine, Ada Salter. 

A great evening

Then this morning we had a full church, overflowing to the gallleries, for the baptism of seven children aged 9 months to 12 years. Congratulations to Jace, Noah, Cameron, Mitchell, Sophie, Amelia, and Aaliyah.

May God bless you all and your families.