Page 10 - Moravian Messenger September 2019

Gomersal
We were blessed with beautiful weather this year for the early morning service on Easter Sunday. Twenty-five people attended the service in the Burial Ground followed by a full English breakfast in church, prepared and served by the Brethren of the Church.
On Saturday 1st June an organ recital was
given by Br Simon Dunn, entitled 'Every
Time We Say Goodbye'. This was very well
attended by friends from throughout the
Yorkshire District. We had a wonderful evening with a wide variety of music played by Simon on the Nicholson organ with a superb range of refreshments served during the interval. The evening gave us all the opportunity to thank Simon for all he has done for us over the years and to give him our best wishes as he and Kathy prepare for his move south to his new position as Headmaster.
Gracehill
Early in May we were delighted to
welcome Srs Anna Sachova and
Lydie Halamova, from the Czech
Province to Gracehill. Having visited
Church House, London and Fulneck,
they wanted to look at our amazing
archives and see how Johannes
Teltschik's work ended in Ireland. It
was lovely to hear about their work,
as Lydie spoke in Czech and Anna translated it for us.
Recently we had a return visit from Rob Christie, an
Australian, who first came to Gracehill a couple of years
ago to trace his ancestors. On that first visit he became enchanted by the Gracehill Burial Ground and realised
that many headstones were becoming or already were unreadable. So, on subsequent visits he took on the
major task of photographing every stone and recording
what could be read from the stones. Rob and his wife
Sian returned in June to re-photograph some stones
and presented the Church with the first volume of his photographic research. This work goes alongside the
work of Br Anderson Weir who has completed a plan of our Burial Ground and both works will be a great help to others researching their ancestry.
On 1st May Br James Hamill organised a fabulous riverside walk by the River Bann for our Men's Fellowship. This was a new area for most, and included walking past early orchids, traces of older paths, part of the canal, a second world war pill box with the text 1 Peter 5 v.8 written inside, and old eel traps in the river. On this occasion, the Men's Fellowship kindly invited the Sisters to join them, and everyone enjoyed it!
May was also a wonderful time for Sr Joanna Clarke. In recognition of her work with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, where she is the Northern Ireland Manager for the Local Education Authority, Joanna was invited to Her Majesty's Garden Party in Buckingham Palace. The following day she also had to help as a steward at the presentation of awards in the presence of Prince Edward and other members of the Royal Family. For both occasions Joanna took her mother Sr Rhebe Clarke as her special guest. This was an apt choice for, not only does Rhebe support Joanna in all her work, but both are holders of the Gold Award. 55 years ago, Rhebe received her award through the Girls' Brigade at Holyrood House on 22nd July 1964! Indeed, the newspaper photograph from 1964 appeared on Facebook! What a wonderful occasion for them both.
On 2nd June we were delighted to share in the baptism of Joshua Christopher-Mark Armstrong, son of Debbie and Andy, Bishop Sarah's daughter and son-in-law.
Our Wellbeing Wednesday activities continue to flourish. The latest walk for health attracted a record number of 25 walkers. We are indebted to our leaders who choose and lead varied and interesting walks around our local area.
Sr Norma Machell
After all the weeks of rain, once again June provided us with the suitably pleasant weather we had hoped for our now eagerly awaited Annual Gracehill Village Fair. The school grounds were once again transformed with colourful streamers, blue and white stalls, dancing, music, pets' corner, games, all day barbeque and afternoon teas served in the school canteen. The crowds from near and far sat relaxing, watching the ongoing events or wandered through the grounds enjoying the sights and sounds of happy children enjoying the huge variety of games. Preserving beautiful historic buildings is an ongoing need so the total money raised, an amazing £10,900 is important. Br Raymond Kitson and his amazing team, which includes all his family, have done it again!
Gracehill visit from members of Zeist
Bishop Sarah had announced that we were to have a visit from members of the Zeist Moravian Church in the Netherlands who were visiting Northern Ireland. On Sunday morning 23rd June a coach arrived and the group, along with their minister, Br Marcus Gill, joined us for morning worship. A packed congregation enjoyed hearing hymns being sung in English, Dutch and Sraran Toga! Sarah had printed the Order of Service in Dutch and English for all. What a truly international feel that added to our morning worship. Br Gill brought a greeting and short address and after the service everyone not only enjoyed a very welcome soup and apple pie lunch, beautifully provided by Sr Vera Montgomery and her amazing team, but wonderful chat. There was such a truly international buzz and afterwards the group toured the settlement and then gathered in the Church again to hear more about our history. A wonderful day reminding us of our worldwide links.
Sr Roberta Gray
Ockbrook
Donations in memory or Br Michael Rea
Donations in memory of Br Michael Rea amounted to £2,000 and have now been sent to the Derby & Burton NHS Trust's Heart Failure Clinic. Many, many thanks to everyone for your kindness and support.
Srs Anna Sachova and Lydie Halamova
Sr Julie Hague
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© Sr Sarah Groves
© Br Bob Hopcroft
CONGREGATION NEWS
© Sr Sarah Groves