Our season of baptisms came to a great conclusion last Sunday when St John’s, Itchen Abbas was filled to the brim to welcome the families of Theo and Tara, with their godparents and many friends.

We gave each of the parents their baptismal candle as a reminder of our theme: ‘Jesus the light of world’ (John 8:12). And it was great that those family members who were visiting from Germany were able to lead us in the praying of the Lord’s Prayer in German.

Many thanks to Sarah Noble for speaking to everyone so clearly on this theme; and especially to the team of helpers under the guidance of Sarah Hunt, who prepared the venue and served refreshments afterwards. The conversations were so good, that it was 75 minutes later before the last people left!

So many visitors commented to me that church building is such a versatile and welcoming space in which to host such informal services and the coffee-time afterwards.  So a big thanks too to Nick Owen and all those who had the vision for the reordering of St John’s 15 years: we are all enjoying the fruit of your many labours and are deeply grateful.

And 24 hours later, it was the turn of Little Rainbows to enjoy the same space—welcoming 15 children at the start of a new term under the leadership of Sarah, Juliette and Katherine.

Let’s continue to pray that everyone who comes into St John’s leaves with a sense of the welcome and love  that comes from our Saviour Jesus

With love and prayers

Revd Peter