Personal Reflections
We all encounter God in different ways. A number of our congregation have focused on one moment when they felt close to God. They offer an opportunity to experience the many God interacts with us on a daily basis, and to see a glimpse of God's presence in the lives of some of those who call Bourne Abbey Church their spiritual home.
An Encounter at Youngbournes
When: Sunday March 6th 2008Where: Bourne Abbey Church
Time: 10am
Event: A Youngbournes Play
I enjoyed the play because I was one of the angels. I was a bit nervous and I didn’t want to stand up on the stage but once I got up I really enjoyed myself. So come to Bourne Abbey and you will have just as much fun as me. We did a lot of plays at Young Bournes.
Hannah – Aged 10
Being a Part of the Choir
When: 2008Where: Bourne Abbey
In 2008 I joined Bourne Abbey Church Choir. I felt so special because everyone was so nice to me. Also we welcome newcomers to our church. Everyone is always happy. People who want to join can look at the website before coming. We also have some family services so people who want to come to church can, but not come to the actual service.
Elizabeth – Aged 9
A Healing Service
When: October 18th 2009Where: Bourne Abbey
Time: 6:30pm
Event: Service of Healing
The church recently held a service of healing, and as my father has recently undergone surgery for cancer, I decided to come along and receive healing for him. When the priest placed her hand on the top of my head I had the most powerful feeling that I have ever experienced. I felt the most tremendous heat, and almost the lifting of a burden that I had carried for a long time. The feeling is extremely difficult to put into words as I had never experienced anything like it before. It actually left me in a tears, which came as something of a shock as I am usually a fairly level headed person who is not used to emotional displays. A couple of weeks later, my father received the “all clear” from the hospital.
This might just be a coincidence, but I would like to think that maybe, just maybe, a higher power was at work.
Anonymous
The Teddy Bear's Eucharist
When: 2002Where: Chapel near Bourne
Event: Eucharist
Some eight or nine years ago I attended a Eucharist service in a small chapel in a nearby village on a weekday. The ambience of the small building, the people there and the candles gave a great atmosphere as the worship commenced.
The main address was given by someone who had a passion for Teddy Bears – but not just any old bears – these in the collection had been rescued from charity shops, church bazaars and anywhere she visited and found one in dire need of a good home. All of the bears had names and very much their own character – reflective of where they had been found and the people she had encountered through her spiritual life. The stories she told of the bears that accompanied her that day moved me greatly and what thought, preparation and prayers she used – all laced with good humour too!
The celebrating priest closed with prayers and a short, straightforward concluding sentence warning us of how hard and challenging the road ahead would be for us and how we must prepare to give our best and more. This scene and service often returns to me when times get rocky and I say to myself: “If Teddy Bears can do it – so can I”.
E-mail: info@bourneabbey.org.uk