This Sunday afternoon, a packed congregation gathered at St. Helen’s Church, Abingdon, to hear the Rev. Dr. Charles Miller deliver his farewell sermon. The service, held on the Feast of All Saints, was a moving occasion as Rev. Miller reflected on the many lives that had touched his own during his 18 years at the church, and many who have already gone to join the saints.

In his sermon, Rev. Miller shared his plans for retirement, quoting the words of a revered medieval mystic: “Make yourself small.” As I understand that, his intention is to embrace a simpler life. He emphasised the importance of childlike faith and a receptive heart to God.

The service was enhanced by the beautiful singing of the choir (including the Sanctus from Faure’s Requiem) and concluded with a communion service, where the bread and wine were distributed at three places to accommodate the large congregation.

Following the service, refreshments were served, providing an opportunity for parishioners and friends to express their thanks and well-wishes to Rev. Miller. In recent weeks, he has been visiting housebound parishioners to bid farewell personally.

During the interim period before a new rector is appointed, others in the church will carry more responsibilities. We send our best wishes for his retirement, but there is still a chance some of us will see him before the removal van arrives on the 11th. He is often to be seen in Abingdon town centre.

The spirit of faith and community was alive in the Abbey Gardens on Saturday, June 22nd, as the 2024 Abingdon Passion Play unfolded. Standing on the hallowed ground where St Mary’s, The Abbey Church, once stood, the production offered a fresh perspective on the story of Jesus. This was the fourth Abingdon Passion Play, and each has told the same story differently.

Blessed with sunshine, the lunchtime and late afternoon productions saw audiences settle down to watch, some with their foldable seats and picnics. Two women, seated at a cafe set on the stage, asked questions we all might ask watching the drama.

The play didn’t rush straight into the events of the Passion. Instead, it began with a procession, with Jesus (with white hair), his disciples, and a crowd of cheering children and adults in front.

The music, a collaboration between orchestra and choir, added to the moving scenes, under the direction of Sally Meers, who also arranged much of the score.

Before witnessing the Passion itself, the audience was reminded of Jesus’ miracles. We saw the sick healed, and the moment of the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus sent disciples into the audience, just as they did with the crowd, asking if anyone had food. A child’s lunchbox became the catalyst for a miracle that fed a multitude.

As the story progressed, the play explored the rising tension. Jesus’ act of clearing traders from the temple angered the authorities, who plotted his demise.

We witnessed the Last Supper,

the solitary prayer in Gethsemane strengthened by an angel’s presence,

the betrayal,

the trials,

Jesus carrying the cross,

and ultimately, the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Calvary.

The two women returned to a transformed cafe, bearing the words “Under New Management.” Hope returned as the disciples discovered the empty tomb. A waiter, unrecognized as the resurrected Jesus, approached the women, offering them drinks and the promise of new life.

This production was a result of the tireless efforts of all involved. The spirit of ecumenism shone, with each Abingdon church contributing spaces and volunteers. The result was a deeply moving play, witnessed by an estimated 1,200 people across two performances.

The 2024 Abingdon Passion Play served as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of faith, the strength of community, and the transformative message of Jesus’ life and sacrifice.

Abingdon commemorated Good Friday with a Walk of Witness, drawing participants from the town’s churches. Organised by the Church in Abingdon, the event has become a tradition for decades, uniting the Christian community.

Despite the earlier rain, the skies cleared as the procession, led by a large wooden cross, made its way through the precinct. The symbolic walk ended in the Market Place, where a crowd gathered for a short message delivered by Pastor Ellie Ball of the Vineyard Church. Traditional Easter hymns were then sung on the day when Christians remember Jesus Christ being crucified.