Bishop Hugh has visited St James’ Church in Malvern to bless their orchard as well as their Orchard Church New Worshipping Community, as work starts to create an eco-pond and ‘pilgrim path’ through the orchard.
The Jubilee Orchard at St James’ Church was first planted in 2020. It is used by the school for Forest School, and the community visits to sit and reflect on creation, life and God. Orchard Church meets there once a month with prayer, reflection and activities for children and families. It provides an opportunity to discover God through the seasons and the beauty of creation.
Bishop Hugh visited the church for their Patronal Festival on the theme of pilgrimage. The service started in church with readings and the sermon before Bishop Hugh led the congregation outside, through the churchyard and into the orchard to pray for the Orchard and all who will use it.
Becky Elliott, Vicar of St James’ Church, said:
“We have raised money over the last couple of years for our pilgrim path project. There will be a winding path created through the orchard, past a new pond. There will also be some outdoor art with small, simple signs featuring ideas for prayer and reflection, and spaces where wildlife is encouraged. As well as enabling greater community use, it will improve the space for Orchard Church which provides simple, informal outdoor worship whatever the weather for those not quite so used to formal church.”
Bishop Hugh preached on the theme of heaven and what it might look like if heaven was here on earth. He said:
“It is great to be with you all and be able to give thanks for St James’ Church – for all it has been, all it is today and all it will be into the future. God’s vision is about enabling us to live ‘heaven on earth’ lives today as Kingdom People, living with faith hope and love wherever we are and whatever we do in our daily lives. Thank you for being the faithful people of this place.”
During the service, the congregation were all given scallop shells as a symbol of pilgrimage and asked to reflect on their own journey, where God’s presence was seen and where he might be leading them next. The congregation were also invited to renew their commitment to the life and mission of St James’ Church.
