New Church Life September/October 2017 | Page 61

��� ������ �������� �������� 2���
more robust social . It had everything . Children told jokes , poems were read , we played games , struggled with quizzes and marvelled at both the vocal and instrumental talents shown by participants of all ages .
Also , for those of us who didn`t need to relax ( nap !) Richard Morris led an interesting five-mile walk on Sunday afternoon – and it didn`t rain ! In fact we had sun , clouds and rain over the weekend , but nothing in too great abundance .
Worship Services : All our services included beautiful singing by a choir , which Elizabeth Kourkov arranged . In addition to those services already mentioned , the Rev . Ethan McCardell conducted two Evening Vespers . On Saturday he showed how the parable of The Prodigal Son leads to consideration of forgiveness . On Sunday he used the story of the cleansing of Naaman by the prophet Elisha to show it is small steps , done with innocence , that lead to the Lord – not mighty acts .
Nearly 100 people attended the Sunday Holy Supper Service , with Bishop Keith and two ministers on the chancel . The Rev . Göran Appelgren spoke about the parables of The Widow and the Judge and The Pharisee and the Tax Collector . He then called the children forward , to create a sphere of innocence , illustrating how we need such a sphere in our own spiritual development . “ We allow ourselves to humbly make the right choice between ‘ the Widow and the Judge ’ and between ‘ the Pharisee and the Tax Collector .'”
The final activity was Monday lunch , before which Bishop Peter Buss spoke and the Rev . Michael Cowley , on guitar , led the singing of Heather Childs ’ arrangement of The Lord ’ s Prayer .
In closing we must thank the many people , particularly the committee , who made this a wonderful and inspiring European Assembly . It completely succeeded in doing what it set out to do .
For us there were two personal stand-out moments . Firstly , the number of people who said : “ This means so much to me because I have recently found the New Church ( and am part of a small group ).” Surely we owe it to them , in particular , to ensure that European Assemblies continue at regular intervals . And finally , Bishop Buss ’ beautiful description of a conjugial couple being led by The Lord , through winding paths , to their eternal home in heaven .
415