Order of Importance

Michael Howlett led the service this morning. In his family / children's talk he got people to pick up a persons name. The asked them to arrange themselves in order a importance:

• A child
• Nicola Blackwood MP
• Revd Ian Griffiths
• The Coffee Maker after the service
• David Beckham
• ...

His sermon was on the story where there was a banquet and people sat in order of importance.

Jesus transformed convention.

Baptism

Today Evelyn Anne was baptised at Trinity, and brought about 60 family and friends to the morning service. She had a baptism dress that looked very long - possibly a family airloom.

The final hymn was a new one to me. 'Best of All God is with us.' These are reported to be John Wesley's last words.

Longing for Light

A good turn out for this morning with 83 adults and 9 children.

The service was led by one of the circuits' longest serving Lay Preachers, Marlene Chalkley, from Wallingford.

Marlene was thinking about what next now the Christmas Decorations are down. The sermon included a story about a lady whose life was turned around by an Alpha course. Alpha courses start soon in Abingdon with the launch event at the Spice Valley Restaurant - a buffet followed by a talk by an ex policeman turned criminal whose life was turned round by Alpha.

On the service sheet 2 notable Trinity people have died, Margaret Lloyd, a stalwart at Trinity for many years, and Geoff Squire who was verger and an able musician until he left 20 years ago.

Enjoyed singing 'Longing for light, we wait in darkness'.

Covenant Service

The church boiler had not come on and so most people were still wrapped in coats.

The advent candles burned brightly at the front.

Revd Ian led the Covenant Service. He said how some people in the methodist church, where he grew up, avoided this service, either because they saw it as wordy and dry, or the promises were beyond them.

We said the promises in more modern words. There followed a communion where people gathered in a semi-circle. I prayed God to forgive me before taking the bread and wine as I felt unworthy.

I wanted the service to last, and concentrated mindfully on the words, particularly the last hymn "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus."

Outside it was raining. Large puddles had formed at the junctions of some roads, and the early daffodils were bent by the rain.

life and witness

In this weeks Service Sheet it says:

Thanks be to God for the life and witness of

June Etheridge, whose funeral will be held at Oxford Crematorium on Tuesday 11 November at noon, followed by a Thanksgiving Service at Trinity at 2pm, remembering especially at this time her husband Ron, their family and friends

and David Hutchins, whose Thanksgiving Service was held in Trinity last Friday (today), remembering especially at this time his wife June and their family and friends.

David fell and broke his hip and being frail...

June had cancer and it was far advanced when they found it. Hard to believe she has gone so soon. Sh was always the strongest person.

Revd Richards Last Service

After over 6 years at Trinity Abingdon, Rev. Richard Bittleston led his last service this morning.

Richard held communion as he had done departing two previous churches: Trinity Harrow, and Trinity St Albans.

The Church Secretary said she was sad to see him go because of his thought provoking sermans, all the music he brought to Trinity, the way he has helped at local churches in the local circuit on the Church in Abingdon, and for the warm welcome and attention he has given to all people coming to Trinity for weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

David Kershaw

David was ill with cancer last time he preached at Trinity, about a year ago. We always enjoyed his ministry.

He spoke on Faith. The reading was from Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see ...

I cannot remember exactly what he said but remember it was very moving in the light of him maybe being in our pulpit for the last time. He was not sure what came after this life but his faith kept him going every day, could have been the message.

For many years he was a much loved Head Master at Wallingford School. He also spoke with great warmth and authority from the pulpit.