Stanley Spencer once said ‘Cookham is Heaven on Earth’ and this morning we were blessed with an ecumenical service held on Cookham Moor representing the four main churches in the Cookham’s – St Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic; Cookham Methodist; St John The Baptist, C of E and Holy Trinity, C of E.  Before the service began there were suggestions of rain but Fr Michael stood up and suggested there was no need to worry, the choir would sing shortly and that would hold the rain at bay.  The service began with the delightful music played by the children from our local schools – and the rain did hold off.

The service was led by Fr Michael, with contributions from each of the churches and the sermon was delivered by Bishop John from Oxford.  Bishop John reminded us that we had enjoyed a fortnight of wonderful events – all part of the Cookham Festival and reflected on the importance of art in faith.  He reminded us of how music, paintings, poetry, theatre and all forms of art can touch us in a spiritual way and even the atheist may experience something which can disturb that position of no faith.  The service was a delight; with hymns and music punctuating the prayers and readings.  This was an occasion for all – with young and old; an inclusive service which demonstrated that in our hearts, we are one loving church living in heaven on earth.