EASTER at ROL

Easter at River of Life was an exciting experience. We shared in the Dorchester Churches together Walk of Witness on Good Friday where we walked to various points round the town where a scripture and a spoken liturgy were shared and a verse of 'The old rugged cross'! Then we ended up at the Baptist church for hot cross buns!!!! Easter Morning we traveled up to Hardy's Monument where 15 of us gathered for a sunrise celebration worship at 6am - reflections and prayers, a shared agape meal of grapes and matzo bread and all wrapped up by excellent music provided by Neil and Lou with their numb fingers on the guitars! Back for Breakfast at Jagos in Dorch, and thankful to Chris and James for some warmth and an outstanding breakfast. We then re-convened at the Arts Centre for our evening celebration worship at 6pm - followed by much cake and easter egg munching! An innovative idea was shared by one member who provided easter eggs which we could have but not keep. We were to give them to someone deserving of them. I'd love to know who everyone gave theirs to and why? What an inspiring discussion that would be!!!!! I was blessed enough to receive one from a very special friend - who's healing hands have come recently to be a true ministry in our church and who is very much loved and respected - far more than they know! Thank you! I was led by God to give mine to a young person who is a true worshiper who inspires me by openness to God and humility to humanity and is a joy to watch in worship! What is your easter egg story?????????? All things considered an excellent day of resurrection in Dorchester.

Carol Service 2008

We had a great night at our Carol Service on Sunday 21st Dec. Festive 9 lessons and carols! Everyone was in fine voice and a great amount of money was raised to add to church funds, both in the offering and the prize raffle organized by Sue Cann. God is good! A traditional service seemed the way to go this year and this was born out by many comments regarding other ones people had been to which were not so traditional. It seems that the British public likes to sing traditional carols at Christmas! Interesting isn't it. Born out also by the fact that several thousand people attended the Carol Service in Salisbury Cathedral which 17 of us went to last night and they have theirs 2 nights in a row! Interesting!!!!!

AWESOME!!!

First service was awesome - a fullhouse gathered to worship and to welcome Rev Elder Glenna Shepherd and Rev Debbie Gaston - who commissioned the church! Also present were 3 other clergy - Rev Janice Bowker MCC - Rev Irene Davies and Rev Andrew Davies from the LCC - and many others; local Dorchester folks and MCCers alike. Contemporary music and worship songs and an open communion was shared by people from Liturgical backgrounds right through to humanists and earth traditions. WOW!!! All that the River of Life Team had dreamed for! What a way to begin new life in Dorset! We followed this with tea coffee and scones clotted cream and CAKES at the Old Tea House! Watch this space for the next thrilling installment......

New Beginnings

Hi all

We are looking forward to welcoming you all to the Arts Centre tomorrow. Please remember if you are unable to come but want to be able to catch up with the news, you should sign up to the newsletter on the news page on www.river-of-life.org.uk. The first issue should be out this week.

Blessings
Catherine

Rev Catherine's Ordination Celebration

Wow! Over 100 people gathered in the Town Hall in Dorchester on 11th October for a celebration full of joy!!! Exciting contemporary worship music was combined with an ethereal theme, to encompass all that Rev Catherine's ministry is about. A time of fellowship and a buffet lunch was shared afterwards. Bringing many people together from many different backgrounds. Other Clergy from Metropolitan Community Churches were present as well as ordained Deacons, clergy from the Liberal Catholic Church and also friends and colleagues from church, work and historical connections. A joyful place where people worshiped, celebrated and found something new!!! The way of things to come for the ministry of River of Life in Dorset!!!! Watch this space!

River of Life Worship Services

The Inaugural Service of River of Life MCC Dorchester will be on 19th October 2008 at The Arts Dorchester Centre. Please come along and share in worship and fellowship. The Pastor, Rev Catherine Dearlove, and the leadership team - extend a warm MCC welcome to all. Rev Elder Glenna Shepherd will be commissioning the church at this service and Rev Debbie Gaston - Senior Pastor Brightwaves MCC Brighton will bring the blessing. See you there!

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River of Life is an inclusive embracing community of faith founded in the worldwide Christian denomination Metropolitan Community Churches(MCC). MCC moves in the mainstream of Christianity. A group of people from different traditions and backgrounds, with a shared desire to bring transformation, healing, acceptance and inclusivity to the word ‘church’ brought their gifts and skills together and River of Life was born.