Something is stirring on the eastern edge of the Diocese
At St Margaret’s Church, Hopton on Sea, there is plenty of excitement on a Thursday morning each week. This is the day when the PlayVan arrives and a new group is being formed at the church. It has been much anticipated, having been delayed by Covid 19 restrictions.
A group of mums, and the occasional dad, meet in the church for structured play, chat, snacks and fun. From small beginnings it has mushroomed into a group of 30 plus bringing new life to the church and giving the opportunity for all sorts of friendships and discussions. Remember, these are ‘lockdown children’, born during the pandemic and who haven’t had the chance to socialise with other children. It is great to see them interacting and having fun.
We already have four baptisms booked from this group and one or two have even started attending church services. It feels like the Holy Spirit is at work in all this.
There are some challenges from this sudden growth as we need to recruit parents to continue running it and are looking into the possibility of providing some regular all age worship to enable us to have something to invite people along to.
For the village Jubilee celebrations we will be having a craft and fun activity gazebo set up to strengthen our links with the local community. All these have come about because Octavia and the PlayVan have started to visit us.
The author...
The Revd Nigel Lacey
Licensed clergy - Incumbent: Rector, Hopton, Corton and Gunton (Benefice)
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