Since she began her ministry with us in January, Dean Jessica has been getting out and about and meeting people from across the Diocese. Here she shares some photos and reflections on her day visiting the Barking Episcopal Area with Bishop Lynne and Archdeacon Mike.
'I was welcomed first by Pat and Ayo at St John’s Stratford – and found Pat and I are already praying together through the online Morning Prayer streamed from the Cathedral every morning! Pat’s long association with St John’s has taken her to overseeing pastoral care at Christchurch Three Mills, a community who meet together at the House Mill on Three Mill Lane, Stratford, to offer and share the ‘extravagant welcome’ of the love of Jesus. Ayo talked about the vibrant community of St John’s, its many nationalities and lively, constantly shifting congregation, and the hope is that I might come to a confirmation service one day and see the joy of the community first-hand!
From there we visited Fr Neil at St Margaret and St Columba, Leytonstone, and here we are drinking coffee at the ‘Faith Café’ adjacent to the church. I heard about the busy foodbank, and the imagination and planning that goes into that as well as the regular Bingo evenings at the Church; and the confident faith of Fr Neil in the growth and depth of both church and wider community.
On then to the 12th century parish church of St Mary Magdalene, East Ham, surrounded by a wildlife area and blooming with crocuses in a carpet of blue – a sudden hint of a past village life in this church with its roots deep in the past and its congregation joyful and growing in confidence in the present. A place both beautiful and hopeful.
And, in every place, a strong sense that amidst the many challenges of poverty and instability for so many people in this area, the churches of east London hold so many in hope, in practical support and spiritual strength.’
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The group visiting St John's, Stratford.
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Enjoying refreshment at St Margaret and St Columba, Leytonstone.
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Visiting St Mary Magdalene, East Ham