Bishop Karowei Joins Us for Lunch!

There was a frisson of excitment as we gathered for our monthly parish lunch on 4 October. Bishop Karowei had accepted the Social Team's invitation to join us and we were all looking forward to welcoming him.
The Bishop had arrived early and was shown around the parish by Revd Ian. When he entered the hall he first made a beeline to the kitchen to meet the cooks, Beryl, Tessa, Joan and Val, so understood where his priorities lay! He then worked his way round the hall, greeting everyone individually with a broad smile and a handshake. He made a special point of singling out the ladies who were about to have birthdays; Peggy, Iris and especially Elsie, who would be 103 on 13 October!
Before saying Grace, the Bishop reminded us of the importance of sharing fellowship and reaching out to the wider parish. He had obviously been impressed by what he had been shown of our neighbourhood and could see that it offered huge potential for outreach work. He spoke of the Diocesan Mission, 'Hearts on Fire', inspired by the story of the disciples' journey to Emmaus.
Lunch was the social team's 'special creamy chicken', always popular, and the Bishop spoke animatedly as he ate.The Bishop's delightful PA, Emma had also been invited to accompany him, and joined in the lively conversation. Bishop Karowei certainly seemed to enjoy his visit, generously adding the extra money needed to round up the raffle money total to £100, collected to support the Greenwich and Bexley Hospice.
We all look forward to meeting him again in the future.