Thursday 25th February 2010

We began our Lent series of Town Centre evening services at Princes St URC last Sunday with worship imaginatively led by friends from the Roman Catholic church.  The service included the use of symbols such as washing, candles and anointing.  Maybe our participation put us momentarily outside our ‘comfort zone’ but, hopefully, such an experience was positive.  I certainly appreciated the spiritual integrity of those who led worship, their warmth and friendliness – and Father Andrew’s fine homily!

Last week the Baptist Times published some interesting statistics – showing that the number of people attending Baptist churches throughout the last decade has risen – for example in 2002 it was 148,835 and in 2008 153, 714.  We are a small’ church’ in England compared with the Anglican and Catholics – but these figures are encouraging.  On the down side it’s significant that although Sunday attendance rose, church membership fell from 149,685 in 2002 to 139,244 in 2008 – more people are coming along but fewer are opting to ‘officially’ join.  What does that say?

Last night the Centenary Room at the URC was packed out as The Revd Ivor Hughes led us through our first Lenten Reflection using art.  The theme was Simon of Cyrene carry Christ’s cross and Ivor skilfully unpacked four paintings for us.  I enjoyed the evening – and hope to attend more – although next week I’ve got two other meetings that night elsewhere! (no diaries in heaven I hope)

On Saturday the Yeovil Street Pastors are holding a second Commissioning Service – this time at South Street – with music provided by The Park School.  It’s an open invitation so it would great to see you there to celebrate this effort to reach out with Christ’s compassion to our community.  It’s at 7.30pm.

With every best wish,