Churches Together in Hampstead is a loose association set up to promote fellowship between various congregations in the area through the exchange of news and organisation of joint events. Like many joint ventures, its activities were brought to a halt by the pandemic. When meetings recommenced, the group determined to redouble its efforts to strengthen links between participants and to start organising some joint events again. The annual quiz was resurrected first; then there was a ceilidh, with proceeds from these events being donated to a mutually agreed charity. Enjoyable and beneficial though these social events were, something seemed to be missing. Previously there had been a joint service once a year at one of the churches, but that had become increasingly difficult to fit around regular services. After discussion, it was decided that we would all benefit from getting to know one another better by visiting our respective places of worship to learn more about their history and traditions. So, on the afternoon of Sunday 5 May, we gathered for the first Churches Together Walk which was to take in four different religious establishments, walking together between them and starting and concluding with an act of worship. The tour was open to all and participants could dip in and out as suited them. A surprisingly large number of us gathered at 1.30 p.m. at the first stop: Hampstead Quaker Meeting house. Here, after a brief introduction to the history of the Quaker movement and the distribution of some informative literature, we adjourned for a short ‘Meeting’, conducted sitting in a circle. (Extra chairs needed to be brought in, so good was the attendance!). At the beginning, it was explained that the Meeting would be conducted largely in silence in order to better hear God’s message: that message might be for an individual or something to be shared. Anyone who felt moved to speak could stand and deliver their message in an orderly and respectful manner. After a short reading, the Silence commenced. There were a few speakers, including one who pointed out that Quakers sit in a circle to signify that there should be no barriers or ‘borders’ between people. The end of the meeting was signalled by a handshake between two leading Quakers. The next stop was Heath Street, where we started by sitting in on a delightful rehearsal of Baroque music. We then retired to the Vestry, where we were introduced to some of the children’s activities and shown a recent piece of work by Sunday Club: a splendid model of The New Jerusalem first depicted by the Prophet Ezekiel and taken up in the Book of Revelation. By this point, we were ready for tea, so a good number of us processed (informally!) down the hill to Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel where we were joined by others and given some background on the history of the congregation and building and treated to tea and an array of delicious cakes, accompanied by some talented junior musicians. After that, we proceeded to St Peter’s Belsize Park for a service of Taizé Sung Evening Prayer. The Taizé Community is an ecumenical Christian monastic community in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, Burgundy, France. It comprises about 100 brothers, from Catholic and Protestant traditions, who originate from about 30 countries around the world. The style of worship developed there is quiet and meditative and based on simple but beautiful repetitive chants or ‘songs’ in various languages, including Latin, French and English. Candle light and imagery are used to great effect to calm and focus the mind. The service was led by Catriona Laing, Vicar of Emmanuel Church West Hampstead with assistance from Ewan, who played guitar and directed the musicians, including three of his children, Anselm on bass, Frida on harmonium and Joachim on recorder, as well as the harpist Glain, who sometimes performs at Heath Street. Emmanuel Church provided a wonderful lead singer. Some more people joined the congregation at this service, including a contingent from St Peter’s, which holds more regular Taizé services on Sunday evenings. The younger and more supple accepted an invitation to sit on the floor at the front. Those of us with creakier limbs stuck to the pews! As well as music, the service included a short reading and guided prayer. A really lovely way to end the day. This afternoon event was a great success and has been described by one participant as a ‘celebration of togetherness.’ It is hoped to have a follow up ‘walk’ in the Autumn, encompassing Emmanuel Church West Hampstead, St Andrews Frognal, United Reformed Church, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Holly Place, and finishing with Evensong at Hampstead Parish Church. Following on from the joint Taizé, on 16 June, Emmanuel Church hosted a Taizé style youth service, with musical assistance from Ewan and co. A further joint service will be held at Heath St on 21st July at 6.30 p.m. Plans are afoot for further inter church initiatives. Watch this space …
Theresa Thom
Prayers for Hampstead written for the Churches Together in Hampstead walk by the children of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
We thank you Lord for Hampstead Heath, which has lots of animals and plants. Please help us to look after the Heath for future generations.
We pray for all those who are unwell in the Royal Free Hospital and for those who are looking after them.
We pray for the homeless in Hampstead, that they get the help and support they need to find hope and rebuild their lives.
We pray for all the people of Hampstead of all faiths and none, that they come to believe and trust in you.
Amen