Each year, we explore different ways of doing liturgy. This year, Local Preacher Dee Gürfer created a service entitled “Welcoming the Light” comprising readings, poetry and music, as well as a fun creative element with those attending creating a decoration to take home made of sand, sticks and lights. The service ended (following a German Candlemas tradition) with branches – laden with chocolate bars – lopped from the Christmas Tree for all to take home. (Admittedly, not all chocolate bars made it that far!)

© St Edmund, Chingford

On 23rd August Chingford Mount came to a standstill as fire blazed in the Poundland store. Thankfully, no-one was hurt. The fire, paramedic and police services were all involved in putting out the flames. It was an all-nighter and they were, in turn, supported by the Salvation Army’s incident response tea van.

We give thanks for the emergency services, and those who support them. We call to mind those lost at Grenfell Tower, praying for healing for those traumatised by that terrible fire.

© 2018 St Edmund, Chingford