I hope many of you were among the thousands who were inspired by Space and Life, the recent illuminated show at our Cathedral. Using the wonderful and expansive interior of the building the artistic duo, Luxmuralis, presented a programme which began by taking us to the outer edges of our galaxy and moving us to consider the beautiful detail of creation and reflect upon our relationship with all that God has created. Space and Life is just one feature of our celebrations of 60 years of being the cathedral for the ‘new’ diocese of Guildford. Last November Bishop Andrew (who shares the 60th anniversary) presented us with a beautiful setting of the Mass – his Diamond Mass and it was sung for the first time. During the Christmas and Epiphany season the church schools of our diocese joined us in presenting displays of artwork with the theme, ‘Everyone is welcome’, with some amazing creations based on the plight of refugees and our welcome for all. Collaboration with our schools continues with a Schools’ Eco Day in early March, and I am really looking forward to the Year 6 Leavers’ Services at the end of the summer term – one of the highlights of the entire year. We have moved into the new context and are now welcoming back hundreds each week for prayer, worship, art, music, reflection and fellowship. Our cathedral offers parishes and deaneries Quiet Days, led retreats and space for prayer and personal reflection. Now that we all have a bit more freedom to move around the diocese, I’d love to be invited to take part in the life of your church or school. Just get in touch. Please pray for God’s mission at our cathedral as we pray regularly for you in your own ministry and service.
Archbishop Justin Welby has planted a fig tree in the garden at Lambeth Palace as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to mark her platinum anniversary.The Archbishop of Canterbury was joined by the Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, who is the lead bishop for the Church of England on environmental issues, and by Colonel Dan Rex, the CEO of The Queen’s Green Canopy. The Archbishop has previously joined other faith leaders in a special video message to urge communities to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” in honour of Her Majesty’s service to the nation, as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. The Archbishop of Canterbury said: “The beauty of trees reminds us of our responsibility to care for God’s creation, for each other and for generations to come. It’s a fitting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s seven decades of service, and the trees we plant this year will be a sign of our gratitude and celebration of this remarkable occasion for many decades to come. I encourage everyone to get involved in the Queen's Green Canopy, and plant a tree to celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee.” The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, said: “Planting a tree is always about expressing hope in the future and is a gift to the rest of creation, as well as future generations. Over seven decades, Her Majesty The Queen has planted more than 1,500 trees and it is fitting that Her Majesty has chosen to mark her Platinum Jubilee by encouraging us to join up this tree canopy. These trees will remind us of the gift Her Majesty is to this nation and the Commonwealth, as well as the hope-filled future we look to for the whole of creation.” CEO of The Queen’s Green Canopy, Dan Rex, said: “The Church of England was a very early supporter of The Queen’s Green Canopy and I am delighted and grateful to participate in this special planting at Lambeth Palace with Archbishop Justin and Bishop Graham. It has been wonderful to witness communities coming together to plant trees in parishes across the nation and children from the Church of England primary schools participating in the Jubilee Young Forester’s Award, seeding hope and knowledge for the future”. The Archbishop’s fig tree will be uploaded to the QGC Map joining the growing network of Jubilee trees planted across the nation.
The Bishop of London has responded to the announcement made today by the Prime Minister setting out the Government’s plans including lifting remaining Covid-19 restrictions.Bishop Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, said: “The Prime Minister’s announcement that Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted holds out the hopeful prospect of the end of the pandemic but will nonetheless raise concerns for some. “The last two years have challenged us again and again but also taught us how we can do many things differently and heightened our awareness of how we transmit disease. “People have made huge sacrifices and I would like, again, to say thank you to our NHS and front-line workers, our clergy, parish volunteers and congregations for all you have done. “Your actions - whether noticed or unnoticed, big or small - have been the glue which has held our communities and our nation together during this time of great need. “I recognise the pandemic has had a major impact on people’s well-being, and the need to look out for each other is as great if not greater than ever. “Although the legal restrictions are being lifted, there may be good reason for us to take some measures as individuals and as local churches. I am conscious that some people with medical conditions will be more fearful now that compulsory isolation for those who are likely to be infectious is ending and we should not lose our focus on the most vulnerable. “We’ve much to be thankful for - not least the vaccines which have been a real answer to prayer. They are more vital than ever, both here and around the world.”
Our joint parish Funday@4 service will be held at Dunsfold Church on Sunday. While the service is aimed particularly at children and families, everyone is welcome.This Sunday we will be learning about God's love - that we should love Him and that we should love each other. The Bible story we will be investigating is the Good Samaritan. And that's just the start. There will also be singing and craft work. And, as you guessed, the fun starts at 4pm.
