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While this may now seem
a distant memory with all the recent activities, the Installation
was a wonderful - and typically warm Bahraini - way to welcome Chris
and Tricia to our home. The Cathedral was overflowing and the
choral and organ music was delightful. After the service we
were treated to a less formal but equally enjoyable welcome in the
beautifully decorated Alun Morris Hall.
Thank you to all who
made the day possible and for those who made the effort to attend.
It was also warming to see so many friends from Saudi, Qatar and
other areas of the Diocese who had made the effort to attend.
This provided the opportunity to look at ways of our parishes
working more closely together in the future. While I am sure
this is more of a long term project, it is positive to find that
there is a common consensus of opinion that we all could, and
should, do more.
My only personal disappointment was that we were unable to have a
greater representation from the children's church, although extended
school hours due to the swine flue fears put paid to that. We
did manage to persuade a number of our older children to assist with
the service and they performed admirably, attending to Clergy and
VIP's.
The installation weekend also saw Bahrain host a Bishop's Council
meeting - it was a pleasure and honour to be able to host this
planning event. While we had little involvement with that
particular meeting, we were able to interact with all those present
at the second Quiz Night which was such a resounding success that
the third quiz date has already been set! The Bishop's team
led the way and took the winners' plaudits!
However, the absence of children at the installation was more than
made up for by Chris's first Friday service. I cannot remember
the Cathedral being so full for a 'regular' service. The sheer
number of children caught me a little off guard - I am extremely
grateful that Tricia has kindly agreed to oversee the activities of
the Children's Church. This will include not only planning the
lessons and structure on a daily basis but also ensuring that there
is continuity from week to week. Tricia is also intent to sign
up a number of adult volunteers and train them so that they are all
better prepared.
I am also personally delighted with all the work that has been done
for the Nativity, from rehearsals through to the painting of the
set. While Tricia intends to start with a "simple"
performance, we are planning to ensure that the Nativity is
accessible to as many people as possible, including those who wish
to attend from Saudi or other sister churches around the Gulf.
However, before that we will witness the second performance of the
music group on a Friday morning - I look forward to reporting on the
revised Christmas schedule in the next edition!
David Axtell
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