News from the Chaplaincy Pentecost Celebration

Abbaye de Saint Ferme, Gironde (33580)

Looking back with gratitude and towards the future with hope

A blessed day celebrating 'New Beginnings'!

Coming from across this large and diverse Chaplaincy, our morning service for Pentecost was the first act of worship in a day of events to celebrate ‘Aquitaine 200’.

We met in the magnificent Abbaye de Saint-Ferme, for a  service led by Bishop Robert and Archdeacon Peter, joined by many members of our large team of clergy and readers. The large abbey was full, and singing was led by an excellent choir with fine organ accompaniment. We were delighted to welcome the Mayor, who joined us for this inspiring occasion.

Download the Bishop’s sermon here

Pentecost was also the opportunity for the licensing of our new Chaplain, The Rev’d John Bavington. Born and raised in Pakistan, John has served in contexts ranging from majority Muslim to rural private school chaplain. He comes to us having previously been Area Dean of Bradford. His knowledge of Urdu was immediately put to use in offering welcome to two young men from Afghanistan who are living in Bordeaux.

Later in the afternoon, we worshipped more informally in the salle, with uplifting music and prayer.

Praise the Lord for a wonderful day together; may he continue to guide the way forward!

We are grateful for the warm welcome we received by the local community, who were very helpful and glad to enable our use of the church and salle polyvalente for our festive gathering.