This is the season for baptisms. Last week we celebrated with Chris and Victoria as they brought their daughter to be baptised in Easton. It was so good to be back in St Mary’s after a three-month gap and to have the place filled with so many people—godparents, family and Easton friends—all wanting to support the family on this special day.

One of the highlights for me was being present when Chris Ellis was showing Chris the baptism book: after showing Chris his daughter’s entry, he then turned back to the page which registered Chris’s own baptism. Now, some thirty years later, it was time for the next generation was coming to the fore. It was a lovely to witness this little piece of local history.

We were looking at Jesus’ words in John 8:12: “I am the Light of the World: those who follow me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”

This will continue to be our theme as we come this Sunday to celebrate two more baptisms—this time in St John’s, Itchen Abbas at 10.00am—when we welcome Theo  and Tara into our church family.

Before that there will be a service of Holy Communion (Rite II) at 08.30am followed by some croissants and teaching. This will be the quieter one of our two services—a special opportunity to thank Christ for his dying on the Cross for us and to experience the assurance of his forgiveness.

If you are able to make it to one of these services, that would be great!

With love and prayers.

Revd Peter