Coffee Morning, Bell ringing and Patronal Festival Evensong
Our Patronal Festival weekend kicked off with a coffee morning with a cake sale and book stall, raising money for Macmillan. The morning was a great success with everyone enjoying a relaxing chat with friends and strangers. A chance to catch up with people you quite often only get to wave to across the church. A staggering £748 was raised!
In the afternoon we were visited by friends and neighbours who ring the bells in various towers in and near Cheltenham, and they came together on Saturday to ring at several churches, including ours, in this area. They rang a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Major.
From left to right they are Roy, Rachel, Alison, Stuart (who was conducting), Barbara, Tony, Becca, John.
We enjoyed a joyful sound to celebrate the Feast of St Michael Archangel.
On Sunday afternoon at 4pm Ben lead us in a Choral Evensong. St Michael’s choir was joined by members of St Michael’s worship group, friends and members of the wider community led by William. The music was very much appreciated by a congregation of 65 guests who were invited to stay to a shared buffet after the service. A collection in aid of Macmillan raised a further £177.
A memorable weekend which we hope can become an annual Patronal celebration.
Some quotes from those who attended the service:
'Such a feeling of peace - God was all around'
'Was such a lovely way to worship and the music was transcendent!'
'I'd never been to an Evensong before, but it was awesome!'
'I thought I would burst with the feeling that anthem gave me, such joy.'
St Michael's Blog
