Coming Together
On Saturday 22nd June, in glorious sunshine, a hundred and fourteen people came together to celebrate the first service at ‘Thundridge Old Church’ for over forty years.
A diverse congregation, of children, couples, families and older generations; from the parish and further afield; and even some who attended the last services in the 1970’s, streamed down the hill between the rows of wheat in what one attendee referred to as a Moses like scene.
![20190622_170402484_iOS](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/20190622_170402484_iOS-1-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![20190622_170353309_iOS](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/20190622_170353309_iOS-1-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
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![20190622_165720712_iOS](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/20190622_165720712_iOS-1-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![DSC_0015](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0015-scaled-q0j8i3ljqd7ilqr70pwkndr83dy22eg5xc7xnxyozk.jpg)
![DSC_0017](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0017-scaled-q0j8i3ljqd7ilqr70pwkndr83dy22eg5xc7xnxyozk.jpg)
![DSC_0022](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0022-scaled-q0j8i3ljqd7ilqr70pwkndr83dy22eg5xc7xnxyozk.jpg)
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The Service
Rev Amanda Duncan, Vicar of Thundridge and High Cross, led the congregation in a Celtic Style service perfectly fitting the outdoor setting; celebrating and reflecting on the value of enjoying nature, downtime from busy lives and non-materialistic pursuits. The Order of Service and Hymns are included below.
![image3](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/image3-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
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![image6](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/image6-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![image7](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/image7-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![DSC_0028](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0028-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![DSC_0029](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0029-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![DSC_0031](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0031-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![DSC_0034](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0034-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![image1](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/image1-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
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The Choir
Members of Thundridge Primary’s choir gave a strong and much applauded performance of ‘Everywhere Around Me’ in two parts, led by Deputy Headteacher Mrs Gaze.
![DSC_0036](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0036-scaled-q0j8i4jdx78sxcptv8b77vioortfa3jw9gvf57xatc.jpg)
![choir3](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/choir3-scaled-q0j8i3ljqd7ilqr70pwkndr83dy22eg5xc7xnxyozk.jpg)
The Picnic
After the service, many made their way back up the hill to Thundridge Hill House where the Melluish family generously opened their beautiful gardens for all to share a group picnic.
![DSC_0040](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_0040-scaled-q0j8i98kvdf8jej03scc2cbznp69cl2jy44ujlqby8.jpg)
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Thanks
Heartfelt thanks are due to:
- Rev Duncan for conceiving, developing and supporting this event so wholeheartedly
- Chloe, George, Joseph, Lewis, Martha, Mason, Rachel, Rose and Zoe from Thundridge Primary for performing having just returned from their annual School Journey and reportedly somewhat sleep deprived
- Mrs Gaze and Mollie Haworth for organising the choir; Ben Gough for providing sound equipment and accompaniment
- The Melluishes for enabling parking and feasting
- Paul and Sally Newton for cutting the pilgrims’ way down the hill
And – last but by no means least – all who came to show their respect and support for the Old Church. We hope to see you, and many more, again soon.
Order of Service
![Service Page 1](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Service-Page-1-1-181x300.jpg)
![Service Page 2](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Service-Page-2-1-194x300.jpg)
![Service Page 3](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Service-Page-3-1-197x300.jpg)
![Service Page 4](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Service-Page-4-1-186x300.jpg)
![Reading](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Reading-224x300.jpg)
![Reflection](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Reflection-223x300.jpg)
![Hymns](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Service-Hymns-1-259x300.jpg)
![Hymns](https://thundridgeoldchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hymns-300x212.jpg)
Great memories of a superb gathering, thanks to all who participated in this celebration of Thundridge Old Church and affirmed our local community heritage