This has been a weekend filled with joy. If you have missed the services where our bishop, David Hamid attended as he toured this parish (which he says is amongst the largest in Europe) you may enjoy a few photos of this wonderful Advent weekend.
On Saturday Bishop David confirmed a total of 11 candidates, ranging over 70 years in age. This is the largest number of people confirmed in a service here in 15 years. As he always does, the bishop spoke to each individually, relating the meaning of each name to their Christian journey. This is always such an intimate moment for each candidate. Cantamus (the singers) sang as did the packed congregation, and we enjoyed our own refreshments after the service.
This was followed by a meeting between the bishop and members of Chaplaincy Council.
Sunday was Advent Sunday, the first day of the church year, and the beginning of the season of preparation for Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of our Lord. Bishop David attended services in Albir and in El Campello, where Father Paul preached. Over 30 attended the Albir service and there Mark, who was confirmed the day before, lit the first candle on the Advent ring.
On Sunday afternoon Bishop David preached at a sunset evensong service in the Ermita in Javea. This is the “original” church location of the chaplaincy, and here we celebrated the 50th anniversary of this parish. Bishop David preached about our success and our challenges, about our ecumenical relationships and hospitality that we share with our Spanish and Norwegian hosts and about the objectives for us to re-grow the church on the Costa Blanca.
This service was followed by mince pies, sandwiches and cava. Throughout, our own wonderful clergy team participated, led by our senior chaplain, Canon Marcus.
Including the recent visit of Diocesan Bishop Robert in September to “collate” Fr. Marcus as Canon, 5 of our church congregations have been blessed with visits from and services with one of our bishops. The preaching has been enriching and the fellowship uplifting. We are truly blessed to live in this very special chaplaincy, which is always successful when we all pull together.
A selection of photos can be viewed via this link – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/geyqsyjvrrw3vyb/AACWqy8yevhQbffMfJ0YK0Eea?dl=0.