Baptised, confirmed, farewelled

It was a special day yesterday for our churches.

In the morning at St James two children, Mia and James, were baptised, alongside two adults Katie and Joanne (left) who were going to be confirmed later in the day.

In the afternon it was time to bid a fond farewell to Bishop Michael at a special service at St Mary's, Lewisham.

Sir Simon Hughes (right) gave an excellent tribute, Bishop Christopher led the service, and Bishop Michael preached.

Now Bishop Michael moves to his native midlands to be Bishop of Lichfield. We shall miss him and wish him God's richest blessing in his new role.

From Lewisham it was a quick dash to St Katharine's, Bermondsey for the Bermondsey DeaneryConfirmation, presided over by Bermondsey's resident bishop, Graham Kings, Mission Theologian in the Anglican Communion and, when he's not travelling the world, a member of St James.

There were ten candidates from St James and St Anne's (below). May God bless them.