22/6/25 Patronal Barbecue, wonderful Arts events, Churchwardens sworn in, Still Small Voice

On a hazy day in 2018 I was on the Holy Land and took this photo from the North shore of Lake Galilee, near Capernaum, looking South East towards what we think was the country of the Gadarenes (or the Gerasenes as Luke renders).

Matthew, Mark and Luke all record the occasion when Jesus crossed over to the far side of the lake and healed a man possessed by a “legion” of demons. Jesus sent the demons into a heard of pigs, “and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake…”

Looking across at the steeply sloping land running right down to the water’s edge brought this scene alive, two thousand years later.

But what does it mean for us, today?  What are the legions that threaten our equanimity, and how can we free ourselves from them?  On Sunday we shall visit Mount Horeb with Elijah in search of an answer.

Now, let me say THANK YOU to everyone who pitched in to make the Patronal Barbecue such a good occasion.  I think we shall do this again – and as Easter is earlier next year, Trinity Sunday won’t co-incide with Father’s Day which will mean those who had a prior engagement this year can be there…

The Wandsworth Arts Fringe continues to bless us too. It’s so wonderful in the weeks after Pentecost to open the doors of the church to so many imaginative and unexpected performances which often seem to have something of the Holy Spirit in them.

This week saw an interactive art exhibition in which participants re-enacted works of art, including John Singer Sargent’s “Gassed”:

A strangely evocative and powerful thing to participate in.

Then later in the week Ibstock Place School brought a selection of lovely choral music.

Two more concerts are coming up before the festival ends – click here for more.

Also this week it was very good to be at St John’s Richmond for the annual Visitation Service at which Churchwardens across the Archdeaconry of Wandsworth were sworn in.

We got the customary Visitation Selfie with the Diocesan Registrar, Jon Baldwin, and our new Archdeacon The Venerable Bridget Shepherd (who will be our guest preacher at our Harvest Festival in the Autumn).

Finally a few flyers for things coming up in the wider community this weekend and next week:

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday —

Come Holy Spirit our Hearts Inspire!