2009 Flower Festival The Flowers
All Christians are called to be witnesses to the risen Christ, proclaiming the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and in deed. Some are called to do this in very public and dramatic ways, and over the centuries thousands of Christians have even suffered martyrdom for their faith. Most of us, though, are simply called to bear witness in our ordinary everyday lives.
This year the flower arrangements depict Christian witness and mission. Some reflect the call to every Christian to bear witness to their faith, others celebrate Christians who are well known and have played a significant part in sharing the good news of Jesus with the world. As you walk around the church, take time to pause and reflect quietly on the various displays and the words below. It is our prayer that the flower displays will speak to you of God, and to give thanks for the faithful witness of millions of Christians over the centuries up to the present day.
“You shall be my witnesses…..to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 )
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28)
John & Charles Wesley, evangelists & hymn writer, 18th century
St Augustine of Canterbury, sent by Pope Gregory to evangelise England in 597AD. The first Archbishop of Canterbury
Janani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, murdered on the orders of Idi Amin 1977
St Patrick, Bishop, evangelized the people of Ireland in the 5th century
Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Albanian Roman Catholic nun who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta in 1950
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…. and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
St Joan of Arc, “The Maid of Orleans” condemned to be burnt alive at the stake as a heretic. The sentence was executed at Rouen, May 31, 1431. In 1456 the case was re-tried and Joan was declared innocent. She was canonized in 1920.
USPG: Anglicans in World Mission, a missionary society we support at All Saints works in direct partnership with Anglican Churches in over 50 countries, helping to support vital church work.
St Thomas à Becket appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162 by Henry II. He opposed the king’s interference in ecclesiastical matters, and was brutally done to death in his cathedral by royal retainers
The Three Churches in Stock: All Saints, the Church of our Lady & S Joseph and Christ Church have worked together for many years proclaiming God’s love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the village of Stock.
St Alban, lived in the 3rd or 4th century, probably the first martyr of Britain. On the site of his execution King Offa erected the Benedictine abbey of St Alban's, now St Albans Cathedral
Florence Nightingale born un 1820, well known for her efforts at improving conditions for the wounded during the Crimean War which won her great acclamation
Christine Makings, creator and designer of the flower displays
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