Lambeth Blog 2

Friday 18th July begins as every day here with a 7.15 Eucharist and when you hear the Lords Prayer said in so many different languages it makes the heart strings twang. Then when we all finish more or less at the same time it brings us together in Christ most movingly. Good to see our own Ashtead musicians there to lead the singing.

I am the Light whose brightness shines
On every pilgrim's way,
And brings to evil's darkest place
The glorious light of day.

Bible study and services concentrate on St John's Gospel so the "I am" parts are very relevant to us.
The Spouses (or SPICES as the Australians refer to the wives and husbands of Bishops) have been discussing "What are you and what have you left behind?" this Rowan

morning. We had two moving presentations by Margaret Sentamu the wife of Archbishop John from York, and Benita Remulsha wife of Mano Bishop of Peshwar in Pakistan. Margaret spoke of her life juggling a high powered job in London with family, husband, parish, Diocese and Province! She also has many relatives back in Uganda to support and care for. She relies on God who "will support those He chooses".

Benita moved many to tears with her account of life in her home Diocese on the borders between Pakistan and Afghanistan. More than 1000 christians working in that mainly Muslim, Taliban ruled part of our world, "working with the WHOLE people of God". She said: "God belongs to all people and He loves all people equally. It is our duty to serve them without exception".

I sat at breakfast next to a woman Bishop from the USA. This is her second Lambeth as a Bishop but her first as a married one. She met and married her husband only just over a year ago and he is here with her. I met him in the Sports Hall where the "spices" meet. He was joining in the vine leaf making!!

Blessings and love to all in Ashtead especially those just breaking up for the school holidays.

Trish Heywood, 21/07/2008