St Jude's, South Shields
History of Rekendyke Parish
Activities at St Jude's
People
Millennium Quilt
Parish Records
Town Centre Area Locality
Chobham Rekendyke Parish Link
Links for St Jude's Church, South Shields
Guestbook
|
How it all began.
Twenty years ago the United Benefice of St.Lawrence, Chobham and St.Saviour Valley End, Surrey in the diocese of Guildford took the initiative in forging a link with the parish of St.Jude Rekendyke, South Shields in the diocese of Durham.
This led to four intrepid travellers making the five hour journey north by car while their hosts for the week-end waited apprehensively to welcome them. On the one hand people from two flourishing rural village churches and on the other a church keeping the faith in a deprived urban area.
The result of that meeting may best be summed up in the words of one of the visitors,"we learnt from one another and were encouraged by the mutual building up in faith that the visit has achieved. This being together was as important, if not more so, than anything we might be able to do for one another. For it was by being together that we built up friendship and unity. We were encouraged to continue the venture".
So, today after many exchanged visits and shared experiences, the link holds firm. The following story is an account of our latest experience. |
CHOBHAM: Journey for a special occasion.
 By Judith Husband.
An extraordinary visit to our friends in Surrey was scheduled this year as we were invited to celebrate Chris Bedford's Ordination to Local Ministry.
Leslie and myself travelled south by car on the Thursday and Father Andrew and George travelled by train on the Friday. The heat was as sweltering as we have come to expect in this area.
We, as usual, were made most welcome by our hosts, Penny, Rosemary,John and Margaret before being escorted to the coach where we met others before going to the magnificent, Guildford Cathedral. (Exterior upper left. Interior lower right) I have passed by the building several times previously without entering, however this was an opportunity not to be missed, both in respect of the occasion and the service. |
Ordination of Chris Bedford in Guildford Cathedral.
 This was the first time I have attended an ordination and there was a sense of expectation and excitment. At last, the 16 Ordinands processed in and we saw Chris. The Archdeacons who confirmed that tha Ordinands had taken the required oaths and had made the Declaration of Assent presented them to the Bishop. The Bishop addressed the congregation in respect of the Declaration and then addressed the Ordinands. The Ordinands were welcomed as ambassadors for Christ. We then continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Music was a key feature of the service and we heard the wonderful sounds of the choir of St.Martins, Dorking. The piece de resistance for me, however was Widor's Toccata as the newly ordained priests processed out onto the Cathedral steps to meet their friends and family.
We headed back to the Church Hall for a private supper with Chris, his family and friends before heading off to our hosts.
Christian Hospitality.
A single service was held on Sunday, in order that all could attend the celebration of the First Service of Holy Communion at which Chris would officiate. The service was inspiring - the church bells were rung; the Chobham Handbells were played; members of Chris's family read lessons; our Father Andrew preached and the choir sang the anthem, Love Devine All Loves Excelling. Father Andrew Body had written a hymn especially for the service in respect of "being called". Everyone had a part to play.
After the service we went into the Church Hall for lunch which had been prepared by "one and all". We met up with lots of old acquaintances also. After lunch, we presented Chris with the gifts from Rekendyke, St.Jude which were delightfully recieved and appreciated and were met with lots of "ooh's and aah's" as they were passed from table to table.
It was a pleasure to meet with Chris's extended family who, ordinarily we would not see during our regular visits. Congratulations must be given to Chris's wife, Sandra Bedford, who worked so hard, co-ordinated everything so well entertained everyone so readily and never stopped smiling throughout the weekend - she certainly has some stamina. Well done, Sandra and thank you.
The time passed so quickly before we had to depart saying our farewells. However, it was good to know that Joan Weymouth was following us back to South Shields a couple of days later for an impromptu visit to Lily Hancy.
Finally, on everyone's behalf, may I wish Chris well in his ministry to his parish. We pray for him, his family and friends as they serve Christ together. |
|
