Thanks to Councillor Tony Brett from Oxford for this picture of the annual Civic Service of Abngdon-on-Thames.
Normally the civic service is held at St Helens Church, but as the new Mayor attends the Ock Street Baptist Church and Revd David Fleming, her chaplain, ministers there, the Civic service went to the Baptist Church in 2013.
Tony reports that the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, and MP Nichola Blackwood were also there. The sermon was about how Christians are led to serve. His full report is on Tony Brett’s Blog.
Revd David Fleming won’t be chaplain for very long as he has decided to minister to the people of Luton from August. Almost everybody will be sad to see hm leave because he has done so much for Abingdon. But when he announced his departure at last week’s council meeting there was one cheer – intended to be humorous, I should add.
The Abingdon Traditonal Morris Dancers were also outside the church, Praising God with the violin, accordion, and wafted handkerchiefs.
Best wishes and thanks to David for all he has done in Abingdon. He leaves a big hole in the Abingdon church scene and beyond. Well done to Luton for getting him!
A big thank you to David for a fantastic service and to the Morris Dancers and everyone who attended and took part.
David will indeed be missed by everyone at the Baptist Church and involved in Abingdon life where he has made a substantial and positive contribution.
It was a great service, full of joy
Gutted to hear the new about David – good luck, but you and your family will be sadly missed.