St Clement’s Church Sandwich was the host of the National Online Service for the Church of England on Sunday 2 February and viewed by over 400,000 people.
The service, watched across the world, is streamed from the Church of England YouTube channel and Facebook each Sunday from a different location.
Taking place during Candlemas, Fr Sebastian Hamilton, Rector of St Clement's led the service. In the sermon, Fr Sebastian said: "As we come to celebrate Candlemas, we must bring to mind that light and ask how it can guide us through those moments of darkness."
It is at Candlemas when Simeon’s final words move our attention away from the celebration of Christmas and towards the mysteries of Easter. The service explores what it means to rejoice with Mary, Joseph, Anna and Simeon that Jesus is the light of the world and the light of the darkness.
The service also featured a discussion between Fr Sebastian and a local resident of St Clement’s, where they spoke about Churchyard Rediscovered, a project that has revitalised and reimagined the way that the churchyard is used, from clearing paths to encouraging biodiversity.
This is one of a number of projects across our diocese with a focus on care for creation.
St Leonards Hythe will also be hosting the National Online Service in coming months. If your parish is interested in hosting one of these services in future please contact communications@diocant.org to discuss what is involved.