It was a joy to welcome the Town Mayor of Adlington, Councillor Peter Walkden, and his guests, including visiting mayors and Parish Council chairs, to St Paul’s for Civic Sunday on 2 June. Civic Sunday is an opportunity for the community to get together to pray for a new Mayor at the beginning of his term of office. 

In his sermon, Fr David reflected on the need for unity, both in the Church and in the community, and encouraged our civic leaders to strive to follow Jesus’ command in the Gospel reading, that they might all be one.  At a time when national politics appears to be so fragmented, it is even more important that our local leaders seek to build the sort of society that places community living at the heart of all that they do. 

<span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">This theme of community was picked up by the Mayor in his address, where he outlined two of his chosen charities for the coming year: a project by Friends of Adlington Library, focussing on cinema, both for young people and for those with dementia; and the Adlington Luncheon Club, providing a place for elderly people to get together over a meal.</span>

The service was also attended by the Uniformed organisations from the village, and by Rivington and Adlington Brass Band, who enhanced our worship by playing some of the hymns. It was then followed by a reception in St Paul’ church Club.