People packed into the Church for Lesley’s final service as our Vicar on Sunday 30 April. Members of the local community, and old friends from far away, joined the church family to worship and celebrate all Lesley had brought and achieved during her time with us, and in a huge show of love for just being her. At the end of the service, she handed back symbols of her office and her ministry among us, before we handed to her a massive card and various gifts to remind her of the affection in which she is held. A drinks and buffet reception followed where people reminisced and laughed, while also wishing a sad farewell to Lesley on her retirement.

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© 2023 St Edmund, Chingford

South Chingford Methodist Church’s friends from St Edmund’s, North Chingford Methodist Church and the ChEWS Dog Club, all came together to celebrate their annual Covenant Service on 22 January. The service was also joined by a number of doggy friends from St Edmund’s and CHeWS. The service was taken by Sue Creighton (Methodist Minister at Loughton), and our own vicar Lesley Goldsmith preached. (Her sermon can be read here.) The Church of England and the Methodist Church entered into a Covenant with each other back in November 2003, since which time the two churches here in South Chingford have partnered each other and supported each other’s services and events.

© 2023 St Edmund, Chingford

Bishop Guli, with some of those who worked on creating our mosaic.

In January 2020, work began on a new artwork for the church created by members of the church. Lead by James Gilder our then curate, it was completed just before he started his secondment at Wanstead at the beginning of this year. We were pleased to welcome the Bishop of Chelmsford (The Right Reverend Guli Frances-Dehqani), who blessed the mosaic during our service, and were glad that James could also be with us.

The mosaic was created in the experience of isolation following the outbreak of COVID, as lockdown restrictions eased and as we turned to face a new tomorrow that was similar to what we had known before but changed.

It helps us to remember those who suffered and died during the Coronavirus Pandemic, and to recall the repeating message from scripture that we should not be afraid nor to let ourselves to be held back by our fear.

© 2022 St Edmund, Chingford

A Book of Condolence has been opened at St Edmund’s for all who wish to record their tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly died on 8 September.

You are invited to come along during the open hours of the Church (on Saturday mornings and at the times of services) to sign the Book. The Book will remain open until Her Late Majesty’s funeral.

You may also submit a message to the Church on England’s online book of condolence here.

© 2022 St Edmund, Chingford

The Common Cup returned to St Edmund’s this morning, two years since it was suspended at the first lockdown. The Church family came together to celebrate again the Resurrection, filling the church. It was good to welcome back some for whom this was their first venture back to the church and also a number of dogs who had accompanied their owners. At the end of the service, a brood of coloured chicks in a basket were taken around the church, as Lesley distributed one to each person present. Tucked inside, a chocolatey eggy surprise was concealed.

© 2022 St Edmund, Chingford