I think that everyone who attended the St Michael's Festival held on 18/19/20 May would agree that it was an enormous success. The sheer variety of events, activities, exhibitions and music is a testament to the talent and energy of everyone who took part, and reminds us of the incredible gifts that God has given us to celebrate the work of the Church and our Lord.
The festivities commenced on Friday with a
flower festival and exhibitions of creative arts and crafts, shown in the
church and the neighbouring Windhill Chuches Centre. The following day there
was a family fete in the churchyard. Attractions included a bouncy castel. face
painting, stalls selling cakes, plants books and bric-a-brac. There was also a
barbecue and ploughman's lunches available.
During the evening, the entertainment continued
with a "Music for Springtime' concert.
On Sunday, the Very Rev Dr Jeffrey John, the
Dean of St Albans Cathedral, was guest preacher at the morning's Parish
Communion.
The festival culminated with a Songs of Praise
service at 6pm , during which the congregation sang their top ten favourite
hymns. The two most popular by vote across across all of the parishioners were Be
Still for the Presence of the Lord and Father of Mankind.
Here are are a few of the photos taken at the
festival that maybe give a flavour of this joyous celebration.
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| A selection of the precious silverware used at St Michael's |
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| One of the many
flower arrangements
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| Flowers in the Lady
Chapel
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| Part of the Mothers'
Union display
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| Flower arranging and
cake artistry
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| Replica historical costumes |
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| Model railway display
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| A 10ft St Alban
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| Bishops Stortford
Decorative and Fine Arts Society
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| Rev'd Anthony
looking rather fierce!
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| The Boys Brigade
display
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| An example of
cross-stich artistry
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| All about St
Michael's (displayed at the local Library) |
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| "Infograph"
about St Michael's
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| Display from St
Michael's School
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| One of the studies by Anthony Cleyndert for the Windhill Churches Centre stained glass piece.
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| Barbecue and drinks
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Thanks for posting this Steve. Yes it was a really good demonstration of all the talent and creativity that exists in our congregation and - I think - in everyone if we are only given a chance to show it. It was a lot of work but also a lot of fun, wasn't it?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback Roger - agree, it was a lot of fun. I wonder though if we're all maybe feeling "celebration fatigue", having just watched 2 days of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations! Though we do have a lot to be proud of.
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