We spent a day with an ex-College student and his family who have been working at a three church parish based in a small village just north of London. They have been there for five years and it was good to hear how God has used them over this time.

Dub took us to see each of the three church buildings – one in Elsenham recently celebrated its 900th birthday – that is some age. Keith climbed the tower – steep and precarious and we had a go ringing the bells – you could make a tune as each bell has a different sound. There is a “peep hole” that the congregation used to look through during services.


Dub and Deanne’s two children were much taken with Keith and they were keen for him to stay. We enjoyed their chatter and sense of fun.

On Sunday we visited St Mary’s church – just down the road – almost next door to the Cathedral. This is where Mary Tudor is buried. She was Henry VIII’s favourite sister and Lady Jane Grey’s grandmother. She eventually made her home in Suffolk and used to visit Bury St Edmunds often. She was originally buried in the Abbey, but her remains were later moved to St Mary’s.

This church more recently has seen the funerals of three British soldiers who were killed during their time in Afganistan. Each time there is a parade through the town. Each man was young and left bereaved family behind. This church has a morning service that is filled with families and lots of children.

Again, I was enamoured by the hollyhocks outside the church – they dance so happily in the sunshine.