This morning was, for me at least, a wonderful experience of church at its relaxed best.

The Sunday School - which is small and most children very young - really excelled, serving an absolutely marvellous spread including fresh fruit, juice, cereal, croissants, cinnamon buns, toast, tea, coffee....  They explained to us why they were holding the event, told us their target was £250 and led us in prayer.  They raised over £400... a marvellous achievement for a fairly small church.

Then we moved into the service, still around our tables.  We shared in a quiz about the history of Christian Aid.  We heard Rowan Williams (on video) explain why it matters to him.  We read some scripture communally.  We were reminded of the Christian Aid values.  We reflected and responded privately in words, drawings or thoughts to what we had read, sung, spoken and heard.  We prayed and took away pieces of woven jute to remind us the women of Bangladesh.  And we shared a very informal communion around small tables, serving each other.

At the end of the service we discovered that including the envelope collection, we had raised around £1200 for Christain Aid, which really is wonderful.

I expect everyone is needing a rest this afternoon - but we had a fantastic morning, and I am very proud of everyone who took part.