We were delighted to welcome the Rt. Rev. Trevor Wilmott, Bishop of Basingstoke as our leader for the Spring Quiet Day.  He chose to speak on 'Hope' and each session focused on where that hope was - in the world, in God, in the Church and How to hope.

Bishop Trevor began by giving us his own biography which was most interesting and gave us, as he said, an indication of 'where he was coming from ' this led into the first address 'Hope in the World'.  Anxious, lonely, uncertain were mainly western adjectives and a comparison was made with Africa so what does HOPE look like?  We should look at justice - a major theme in the Bible, and beauty - lift the veil and see the God given humanity in everyone and finally healing - to re-member to allow God to put back together.

The second address Hope in God was illustrated with many Bible quotations showing God's love now and forever.  His final address looked at hope in the Church both as a building and as a body of people.  The Church as seen by young people and where else we can worship gave us much to think about.  Bishop Trevor concluded by saying the Church is an event - a meeting place with God and his people; the Church is a sign, God wants us to be 'candles' of hope and finally the Church as fruit, to shine like stars as Paul writes in Chapter 2 of his letter to the Philippians.

It was a most stimulating and reflective day but I still wonder what people thought when they saw the Bishop striding along the beach at Green Island in glorious sunshine and in a glorious purple cassock!