Saturday

This has been a special occasion at Emmanuel.   Last night one of our church members was ordained in the Cathedral in the City, and I went along with a few others.

The newly minted deacons.   Ours is on the left of the picture next to the bishop.  The guy had moved up from the diaconate to become a priest.

This evening, Saturday, there was a Fiesta, or Reception for her in the parish hall.

 

The Church put on the food, it wasn't the usual 'bring and share'.

She is a lovely person, our newly ordained deacon.    I haven't seen a dog collar in England since my childhood, but here they never got the memo that it was out of fashion.  All the clergy at Emmanuel though wear the modern tunnel collar, that just shows a touch of white.   She has been appointed to a parish about 40 miles away, and starts tomorrow.

This morning was the AARP meeting.   I was late getting there but in time for the musical entertainment, which was what mattered.   A singer was singing some rather jolly songs and Phyllis and I were raucously joining in at the back.   Around my loud, Cockney friend, I lose my inhibitions.

The poor dear though has broken her leg rather badly.

I'd quite like a go on that thing she whizzes about on.    She's going home for a visit in August and said she is flying into Gatwick, she heard  that Americans going to Heathrow have to have visas.   I think there must be a bit of misinformation there, they can't require them at Heathrow and not at Gatwick.   She has an American passport.  I can't imagine giving up my British passport but she has been here over 50 years.  Not that you'd know it, she sounds as if she just left the East End this morning.