The Bishop of London visited St Thomas’ Church in Oakwood on Sunday (22^nd April) to rededicate the new church spire, alongside the Mayor of Enfield and a congregation of over 150 members. Church goers and the local community helped to raise over £40,000 to have the new spire made, after the original became structurally unstable after 40 years, and had to be taken down in January last year.

Any guesses what they were singing?  Mine is half way through 'Our God is a Great Big God'.  186 children attended this year's holiday club for at least one of the four days, and we had a great time hearing how Jesus knew his Destination, and - unlike us - was never Distracted.  He stuck to God's plan with Determination, and achieved the Decoration of God's Champion.  Of course there were also songs, crafts, quizzes, games, and drama - many with an olympic theme.  We are happy that many of the children come regularly to our mid-week clubs, and would be glad to see even more of them in our Sunday Clubs.

St Thomas's annual Good Friday devotional performance this year was 'Messiah', and with an augmented choir and chamber orchestra, the packed church was treated to an exciting and moving event.  The orchestra and some of the soloists were again drawn from the Royal Academy, with a couple of local exceptions!  We have indeed been very fortunate to have enjoyed the expertise James Murray has brought to us during his two years here, and will watch his continuing career as a conductor, for which he leaves us at the end of April.