Blackmoor, St Matthew and Whitehill

Earlier this year I was lucky enough, along with my fellow Churchwarden Helen, and Revd April Richards, to visit Cape Coast Diocese in Ghana as part of IDWAL (Inter Diocesan West Africa Link). I’m sure you have heard or read many of the accounts from those who traveled from your own parishes. Since returning we have held a presentation evening where we showed photo’s and slides and modeled clothes that had been made for us, as well as cooking a traditional Ghanaian meal of fried plantain, yam, chicken with fried rice and fish curry! the evening was a great success. Currently we are planning a Ghanaian service. The service will take the place of our usual Sunday Eucharist and will include incense, acolytes (currently in training!) African music/dancing as well as traditional dress, ladies attending will be required to cover their heads. A second collection made in true Ghanaian style will be sent to our link parish of Bisease to help towards their Clean Water Project.

Also in the planning is our Harvest Service which coincides with Apple Tasting day at the adjacent Blackmoor Apple Farm. This is always an eventful day for St Matthew’s as we actively take part in Apple Tasting, holding a refreshment stall and cutting Apples, as well as supplying a quieter “refuge” to those who wish to come and enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the beautiful displays adorning the church.

Later this year I will be visiting Palestine. As well as visiting the Holy Land, worshipping in the Cathedral at Jerusalem and experiencing the birth place of Our Lord, I will be meeting many Christians, Muslims and Jews working so hard for the peace process in this beleaguered land and visiting Gaza and the West Bank. I know it will be quite an experience and one I am very excited about as I feel it is so important that the world hears the truth, and what better way than to see for ones self. I will be taking small gifts for the children in the refugee camps, but there us a limit to the amount I can carry. Obviously, money is always welcomed by the organisations working to improve the lives of those living with conflict. If anyone is interested in raising/donating money or would like more information about the various organisations working for peace and welfare, please contact me.

This Article originally appeared in the November 2003 edition of "the Rock"