Sunday 21st April

Holy Trinity Millhouses and St Oswald Millhouses

Last Sunday was not brilliant one for my church attendance! I had something else to do in the morning, so tried to go to a reflective service in the evening - advertised on the church's web page - but it was obviously not happening - the doors were locked!

So today I joined the morning congregation at Holy Trinity Millhouses. There was a good number present - over 80 I counted. Mainly elderly, but a good few young families and children. It was a traditional communion service following common worship. We sang gently the hymns and choral parts of the service, led by the organ, with a good sound coming from the male dominated robed choir . In fact there were a good proportion of men all around!

Worship was led by the vicar Peter Ingram and his curate Sarah Hills and a speaker from the Children's Society preached. I know one or two people who go to Holy Trinity, so it was nice to be welcomed by them. Peter and Sarah have great personal warmth which lighten the formality of the worship and give a good welcoming atmosphere.

This was traditional Anglican worship done well - evidenced by the fact that two retired Archdeacons and a retired Bishop worship here.

I was impressed by the way the children were catered for, with activities in church - permanently set up, a creche well signed and I assume Sunday School in the church hall. Peter made a point on including the children towards the end of the service.

What stays with me is the beauty to the building. The church is described as 'a gem of the arts and crafts moment'. It has graceful arches, and delightfully stained glass windows in pastel shades. Everything holds together - including some fine modern fabrics which are in keeping with the architecture.

Afterwards I was invited over for coffee in their very pleasant church hall, which is clearly used a lot during the week by parent and toddler groups who are linked with the church. There was certainly a good sense of life and confidence around the church.


In the evening I attended Reflective Space at St Oswald's - and it did happen!

About 16 of us sat in a circle of chairs in the centre of the dark building bathed in gentle light and surrounded by candles. There were more candles up by the high altar - all very grand and atmospheric. Again I wish I had taken a camera!

Our time was led by the curate Iain Lothian. He helped us think about beauty and colour, with the aim of deepening our awareness of God's beauty all around us and in everyday things. The main activity was listening to a number of pieces of music - played on the piano for us - and then thinking which colour they made us think of. We then had some readings to help us think about this colour and some things to look at set out on the circular carpet around which we sat.

Afterwards we went downstairs to the crypt for a drink and food.

The style was gentle and inclusive. Iain told me that around 40 people attend the times but not each month. Some from the congregation at St Oswald's, some from other churches and some who do not worship anywhere else. I have to say that I struggled to think of our time was worship - and maybe it was not supposed to be. It was a good space to meet with God in prayer and we were certainly encouraged to think intuitively which is one of the keys to a deeper relationship with God.

Just a note about the fact that these two neighbouring churches both has curates. This is very unusual these days!! I was struck by how much more can happen when there are additional staff, but I won't be holding my breath for a curate!

I am just a week from my trip to Dubai now and getting very excited!