Worshippers from across the world

Many churches are reporting that their online services are attracting worshippers from outside of their communities, from all over the country and further afield.

Our Vision of 'Renewing Hope Pray Serve Grow', and our desire to continue to encourage thriving Christian communities is a Diocesan ambition, and it seems it has struck a chord 'Down Under' too.

Yvonne Airey, who has a pen friend in Lyme Regis, wrote to the Revd Chris Martin of the Golden Cap Benefice to say:

"I wish to congratulate you on keeping us focussed on God during the lockdown. I live in Upper Hutt, New Zealand and attend St John's Anglican Church at Heretaunga.

"My penfriend of over 50 years, Betty Wood, has sent me the links to your services, which I have found very comforting. I felt bereft at Easter knowing we could not go to our church to mark the events which are the very essence of our Faith, but have found inspiration in your services.

"So I just wanted to thank you. You have mastered the difficult art of speaking to us from an empty room as if you are speaking to each and everyone of us directly from your heart to our heart. Thank you."

Yvonne (in the white top) is pictured with Betty in New Zealand in 1998.

Yvonne was and still is a journalist (part time now), though at one time she did work for the NZ Prime Minister. She is second generation NZ, but her husband is a Yorkshireman.