East and West

On Palm Sunday, 25th March 2018, I was the preacher at Springhead Congregational Church, near Oldham. It was a pleasure to lead worship and good to see many friends, including the minister, Revd Liz Dean. There was a good congregation and it was wonderful to see some children at the service. There were traditional readings for Palm Sunday and the children's address included shouts of 'Hosanna'.
Immediately after the service Bacon rolls and tea and coffee were served and it was a treat enjoyed by most of the congregation and members of the local constabulary who popped in.

This knitted Last Supper scene caught my eye

Liz and Martin enjoying a catch up after the bacon roll!

Easter Sunday was at home in my own churches and I presided at three services. 9.30am was at Crundale, 11am at Zion's Hill, Spittal and 2.30pm was the afternoon service at Tabernacle, Tiers Cross. 

And the following Sunday, I was in the East Midlands Area as I joined the Revd Ken Hague and fellowship at Newark Congregational Church for a 11am service. The sermon was based on the story of doubting Thomas and it was good to be part of this faithful fellowship, who treated me to a sumptuous Sunday lunch at the nearby Grange Hotel. I travelled to Newark on Saturday, stopping off at our Nottingham 'HQ' to visit the training course that was running. It was great to meet some of our students and tutors and Revd Dr Walter Riggans, our Learning and Development Manager. Please remember our students in your prayers and thank God for women and men who are learning how to better serve Him in the work of the Kingdom.

Newark Congregational Church

Martin and Ken

The best table for lunch