July 17th 2005 was a warm sunny Sunday evening: prayers had been answered! There had been no wet-weather alternative to the planned procession down the village street, as Anglicans and United Reformed folk, together with members of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, marked a new stage of their pilgrimage together.
The Christian communities had already been close before disaster struck earlier this year, when the small Anglican church of St Peter's was burned to the ground. Our church in the village through its minister Edward Butlin immediately offered the bereft congregation hospitality - and now some months later they chose to make formal recognition of what had happened.
The Bishop of Newcastle, with the vicar of the parish, the Revd Mike Catling, at his side, led the opening part of the evening's worship in the site of the now demolished St Peter's as the congregation sat on the foundation walls. Thanks were given for the 115 years of history of the church - and clearly this was a very emotional occasion for those who had worshipped in this place for many years.
Then, after readings from scripture and more prayers, the congregation made their way through the village to the United Reformed Church, where Edward gave a warm welcome to everyone. After more prayers and singing Bishop Martin preached from the 23rd Psalm - whose words had been read earlier in the evening at St Peter's. As he pointed out, this must have been one of the most frequently read passages of scripture in both churches, and its words clearly offered not only comfort for today, but also hope for the future.
The final intercessions were led by Father David Tanner from St Mary's; and after the final blessing everyone stayed for refreshments and conversation.
And just what happens next? At present the two congregations are simply sharing a building informally. The presence of the two Churches' ecumenical officers at the service was perhaps a reminder to them that a shared home suggests a shared pilgirmage. How closely can we walk together?
