One In Celebration
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Rector, Canon Robert Neill's institution to the Parish of Drumbo a series of events were organised over the period of 14-19th October 2008, called ‘One in Celebration'. The idea was to celebrate and rejoice in faith and membership of Christ's Church, to rejoice in our fellowship. Special guests were Bishop Harold and Mrs Liz Miller. The Bishop led Bible Study on Tuesday 14th October, which looked at 1 Samuel chapter 4 and was both encouraging and informative.
One of the main focuses was a romantic evening for all those whom the Rector had married during his time in Drumbo. On Thursday evening, 16th October, 21 couples were entertained to dinner in the church hall when Bishop Harold and Liz shared something of their married life and how their faith had sustained and helped them. It was a wonderful evening of fun and celebration of Christian marriage. Each couple received a red rose and a scroll marking the date of their marriage in Holy Trinity, Drumbo.
All parishioners were invited to a parish meal on Saturday 18th. This again was an enjoyable and happy occasion when Bishop Harold spoke of what it means to belong to Christ and his Church.
The Parish celebrated harvest on Sunday 19th. The Bishop was the preacher at 11.00 a.m when he spoke on Jesus as the Bread of Life. It is only when we are hungry that we seek food to nourish us. In poor times and in poor countries the basis of the diet is bread. It is only when we are spiritually hungry do we then seek the one who can truly nourish our souls. The evening service had a youth theme when all the young people who had been confirmed during the Rector's time were invited. Andrew Brannigan (Brandy), the Diocesan Youth Officer was the speaker. Brandy challenged us to be thankful to God for all his mercies to us. He suggested that we can only find contentment when we are truly thankful to God.
‘One in Celebration' proved to be a time of togetherness and encouragement. It was a time to focus again on who we are and why we exist. It pointed again to faith in Christ and the joy of belonging to and serving his Church. The Parishioners of Drumbo were very grateful to Bishop Harold and Liz and to Brandy, for their contribution and to the blessings they brought to the series of events.
With thanks to the Revd Canon Robert Neill for contributing this article.