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Spring Reunion, Pilgrim Hall |
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It's amazing what can
be achieved in a little over 36 hours - catching up on news and renewing
and making friendships; taking in a lot of information about our diocese
from excellent speakers; being refreshed spiritually by Bishop Harry's
bible study - this year the first three chapters of Mark, the earliest
canonical Gospel; and through shared worship, a time for a game of
croquet, a dip in the pool and a visit to the bookshop! The Reunion got under way with Bishop Clive bringing us a round-up of all the latest happenings in the diocese, and this on the first day of his official retirement! The main speaker was John Clark, Director of Mission & Public Affairs for the C of E Archbishops' Council and Chair of Friends of the Diocese of Iran. In his first stimulating address he explained the history of Iran since the revolution of 1978/9; the way in which various factions and tribal groups jockey for power; and that about one fifth of the world's refugees have descended on Iran. The Anglican Church is numerically very small but their Friends' Association is about 400 strong and meets annually for a conference with its Bishop in exile. In his other talk, John shared with us a new PowerPoint presentation in which he explained to local government, business and other interested parties what the C of E is, what it does and how it is a vital part of the social fabric of every community. Many who hold positions of leadership and influence today have no Christian background unlike those of, say, 40-50 years ago. Mike and Maggie Lee, our hosts at Pilgrim Hall, had once again organised some great cuisine and some real Mediterranean weather for our reunion.
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