Parish communion celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, also called Whit Sunday and known as the “birthday of the Church”.

In a sermon that painted some wonderful images, lay reader Betty Booker spoke of the wind and fire that brought the Holy Spirit to the disciples who were then, amazingly, able to talk to a multi-national crowd in their own languages of the wonderful works of God. Betty also said that Pentecost is about mission, a challenge that every Christian needs to take up.

The Rev Dorothy Noakes presided, assisted by the Rev Jane Bradbury. Rebecca Greenough read the lesson, Andrew “Jake” Holyer led the prayers and the organist was Richard Berry.

The annual civic service took place during the afternoon, the worship made up of some wonderful words and music offered by various groups and individuals in a splendid beginning to a new civic year.