The Eagle has Landed

The Vicar was not looking forward to abseiling down his churchtower; but he did it, and showed "the church in the public square" as the MP Desmond Swayne said paraphrasing Pope Benedict yesterday in Westminster Hall. Saturday is Market Day in Lymington, and Fr Peter Salisbury has never abseiled before - indeed is not fond of heights - but all credit to him, he did this to launch an appeal for the renovation of St Thomas', the parish church of Lymington.

Mr Swayne reminded the crowds that there are supposed to be more millionaires in Lymington than in any other town in the country; that it is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom than for a camel to pass through a needle's eye; and that therefore we must empty our pockets for this good cause. Well, up to a point; but more of that later on the Anglo-Catholic.

The crowds were good humoured and appreciative, it seemed, for what he was doing. It was something of a prophetic action, reminding people the church is still there. In fact, you can hardly miss St Thomas', in its prominent setting at the top of the mostly Georgian High Street of the Town.

Over the top ............ Halfway down ........... And nearly there.
There were crowds to cheer him on, in cassock and safety helmet. Traffic came to a standstill. I even missed the live broadcast of this morning's Papal Visit. But it was possible to catch up later, for TV has been wall-to wall Benedict - great!

Fresh Expressions

Well, it is all happening here in Lymington. The plans are approved, the congregation has had a chance to test the new chairs for comfort, and soon after Christmas the church will be closed for a few months while the exciting new developments take place. The Victorian benches (they are NOT pews, though mistakenly so called- they have no doors for a start) will be scrapped, the chapel in the South Aisle will become a very convenient storage area, the floor will be levelled and concreted, and then tastefully carpeted. Best of all, there will be a removable holy table instead of the present unwieldy High Altar, so that concerts and multi-media events can be staged. There will be a state-of-the-art sound and vision system. The Vicar, very wisely, has chosen next year, including Easter, for his Sabbatical. It will be for the newly priested Curate and such retired priests as are available to keep worship going. I fear this will not include me, thanks to a prior engagement with the Bishop of Rome. Naturally the daily celebrations, already reduced to five, will be further curtailed. Whatever Sunday Services continue will take place in the Church Hall.

To give all this a kick start, and raise the funding, there are events planned for this autumn. These include (see the poster at the top of this page, currently on view outside St Thomas') the Vicar abseiling from the tower. If he is well enough insured some minor accident (absit omen) might pay for the entire transformation. It is such a thrilling time for us all; I think I need to go and lie down to get over the excitement stirred up even by writing about it.

Full details from http://www.lymingtonchurch.org/