Saint James’ Church in Quedgeley welcomed the Rt Revd Robert Springett, Bishop of Tewkesbury

On Sunday, January 15, Saint James’ Church in Quedgeley welcomed the Rt Revd Robert Springett, Bishop of Tewkesbury.

The Bishop had indicated to Fr. John Ward, Rector and Parish Priest that he would like to visit Saint James’ some time ago.

The Bishop celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preached to a packed congregation.

He thanked those who work within the church and asked the congregation to reflect on those who had first directed them into the Christian faith, was it the local parish priest?

Teacher?

Parent or grandparent?

He spoke about what having a faith meant to him and urged the congregation to thank those who had guided, helped to develop and shape their faith.

Young families made good use of the Little Peoples’ Corner where they spent most of service making pictures of the Three Wise Men, a nativity scene, colouring and word search puzzles.

The Bishop praised the children for their work.

The service ended with refreshments where the Bishop was able to meet and chat freely with local parishioners.

Fr. John Rector and parish priest said ‘It was a lovely morning, Quedgeley & Kingsway are flourishing areas and it was great to see so many young families attend the service.

The Bishop enjoyed talking to them as well as meeting older members of the congregation.

He appreciated the vast amount of community activity that goes on at Saint James.’ We do hope that he will visit us again soon’.