Day 2: West End to Bracknell

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So, we survived the first night - a few snorers, some missing their beds more than others, but we made it! And so to Sunday, the Lord's Day, as we will prove as we go through!

Firstly, a group met for morning prayer outside the hall (a similar activity took place last night, though I forgot to record it).

Then those who wished joined the congregation at the neighbouring Anglican church, Holy Trinity West End, for their 8 a.m. Holy Communion. Back for a quick breakfast, then we were ready for the road. Starting a new tradition we all prayed our "setting out" prayers together.

Our first stop was Windlesham to join the congregation of St John's church for their "summer family service", full of life yet with a deep message. The Revd. Mick Micklethwaite preached, asking what we would take on our journey, and (picking up yesterday's theme) comparing our relationship with Christ to marriage - we need to tell Christ that we love him (in worship and prayer) just as marriage partners do.

On from Windlesham to Bagshot, negotiating the multi-lane A322, and to Christ the King church where we celebrated Mass in the Roman Catholic rite. Oh for the day when we can all receive at the same table. On the positive side, it was another chance to praise God, which we did with vigour - our first DIY service, and we sang with joy. Father Joe preached an amusing yet inspiring sermon. He compared the hall to heaven - there's space for everyone and everyone works together. He obviously hadn't heard about tonight's hall (but now we're here, there is room for everyone, so he was right!).

Lunch was conveniently directly opposite the church, at the White Hart....

so duly refreshed we set out (some of us were also refreshed by quantities of water that were being liberally shared about). There was also some water from above, Hazel's reaction to which gave us some amusement (it was so SENSIBLE):

A short walk through Bagshot took us to St Anne's, the Anglican parish church, built by Prince Arthur Duke of Connaught (son of Queen Victoria) who lived in Bagshot Park (the house next door - now occupied by another monarch's son, Prince Edward). Patrick shared his thoughts that we need to take risks as Christians - we shouldn't be complacent.

And is this Father Joe hearing confessions in the churchyard?

From Bagshot we walked through the Crown Estate of Swinley Forest. Long forest tracks took us through to the outskirts of Bracknell.

Here the warm, dry weather we had been enjoying turned warm and wet, but this didn't dampen our enthusiasm, and we reached Priestwood Youth Centre 

So here we are - it's cosy, we're fed and watered, and we're ready for evening prayer (indoors as it's raining outside!).

Tomorrow is a longer day so we should get an early night. Should, but will we?