St John Evangelist, Hurst

On November 1 Bishop Nigel visited St John Evangelist, Hurst. Rev Lindsay Owens explained: "Bishop Nigel arrived at 4pm and we had some prayers with the PCC members and others."

Following the prayers there was a parish visit to Hurst Hall, an elderly persons home. Rev Owens explained: "It was brilliant, he walked around and talked to everyone and they talked to him."

The Community Reception took place in the meeting room in St John Evangelist church. Rev Owens said: "It was a good thing because people worked together and helped each other. People from church brought along food for a buffet. A local shop, Bradley's Pies, who have won prizes for their pork pies, donated lots of food. They are very involved in the community."

She added: "I invited a local primary school, which is not a church school, to come along and bring their choir. It is the biggest primary school in the parish. I'm on the governing body of this school and so is our churchwarden. It was wonderful; Bishop Nigel was so encouraging for the children. It's amazing now how many of the children shout hello to me now because they remember me."

At the pilgrimage service Bishop Nigel handed the baton to three generations of the Crossley family. The churchwarden gave an informative brief history of the parish; he has since produced a booklet based on the talk.

During the service Bishop Nigel invited those present to come forward for an anointing and a blessing. Rev Owens explained: "Bishop Nigel made it comfortable

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

for everybody. The queue to come forward for the anointing was right around the church! Every one of the school children and staff came forward. It was really special. Before he left Bishop Nigel asked them to sing their songs again. It was an enjoyable experience, he has done a lot of encouraging for us."

On reflection Rev Owens said: "All the people who came to the service very much enjoyed it. It has strengthened the links with the school. The children have all been back to church to have a look around and I've been into school and talked to them. It has increased the good will towards the church."