Christ Church Jebel Ali was delighted to welcome the Very Reverend Dr Walter Brownridge, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Nicosia, and his wife, Tina, for a wonderful weekend of worship and fellowship. 

Dean Walter delivered a dynamic sermon at two services, drawing on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s ‘The Story of an Invitation’—the story of a woman giving up a much-anticipated holiday so that a lonely friend can go in her place. What begins as an invitation becomes the gift of a permanent home and belonging, a beautiful picture of grace expressed through generous welcome.

In total some 300 people attended the services, with the added joy of a baptism celebrated on Saturday.

Dean Walter also spoke on South African priest Fr Michael Lapsley’s personal story of trauma, the journey towards healing and his work with the Institute for Healing of Memories.

“These stories captivated our congregations,” says Fr Jim Young, “bringing grace, healing and reconciliation vividly into focus, and giving us much to reflect upon.

“The visit was a great opportunity to share something of parish life in Jebel Ali and to strengthen the relationships that connect us across the Diocese. Those connections become especially meaningful when we can worship together, meet face to face, and enjoy one another’s company.”

Christ Church extends its heartfelt thanks to Dean Walter and Tina for sharing so warmly in the life of the church in Jebel Ali—a welcome reminder of the joy of belonging to our wider Diocesan family.