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A year ago the Epsom Committee of WWDP was somewhat downcast about the future of this annual event in Epsom. It was decided to seek encouragement from the various churches and also Churches Together in Epsom, and to bring our findings to an Extraordinary Committee Meeting. St Martin's were particularly concerned as it was their turn to host in 2009. In the event, the feedback was almost unanimously supportive and it was decided to go ahead but with a new format.
The Theme for 2009 - ‘In Christ there are many members yet one body’ was visibly lived out, both in the preparations beforehand, and on the Day itself - Friday 6th March 2009. As guests arrived they were asked to write their names on a large paper cut-out of a figure Many people had a part to play and there was a great sense of unity between those present, and the communities around the world, all using the same prayers, from first light in the East until the sun set in the West. We felt especially close to the Women of Papua New Guinea who had prepared a lovely service.
The morning service was at 10.30 a.m. followed by coffee: attendance was good, with 115 present (including a sprinkling of courageous men) and four little ones in the crèche. We abandoned the usual evening service but kept St Martin's open all day with an invitation to come in and pray - ongoing refreshments were available. At 4 p.m., Afternoon Tea was served followed by an excellent and thought-provoking bible study on passages from the service itself led by Mrs. Pam Buckingham of Epsom Christchurch. Then at 7 p.m. The Rev Adrian Esdaile of St Martins led a Quiet Reflection to end the Day, by which time we felt well and truly ‘One Body’.
Our Speaker was Mrs. Andrea West from The Brigitte Trust based at Dorking, a charity helping families with life-threatening illnesses. There were several stalls at the back of the church: these included a display about Papua New Guinea and a CD Rom showing the country, Fairtrade, WWD Resources, and The Brigitte Trust. Giving was very generous this year; many supported the Gift Aid provision, so thanks to all.
Some comments:
'one of the best services ever'
'the whole day felt like a Retreat '
'lovely sense of unity'
Our future looks good, we have two new active members on the committee, and even though St Joseph's are not represented, they did take part in the service, so we are still One Body! This was indeed a day of great blessings.
We are grateful to CTiE for their encouragement and support—but, after all, that is what the Churches Together in Epsom is all about and long may it continue!
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