On Wednesday 19th July, I was present at the opening of ‘The Church’ to give the new bar a blessing. I had a few yarns with many of the people gathered there, most of whom asked why I was there! So many quizzical looks!

The owners invited me up on the stage to bless the pub in front of 200 or so revellers.

I made a quick reference to Jesus in chapter 2 of John’s Gospel, turning water into wine. The crowd cheered! The gospel of Jesus was cheered in a pub! I expressed how this was the first miracle we hear about in John, and how it showed Jesus didn’t come to be a party poorer but kept the occasion going.

For the blessing I asked that The Church be place where love is found, friendships are nourished, disagreements are solved peacefully, victories are celebrated and loses commiserated. In all these things, may all know of God’s presence.

It was such a privilege to be given a voice at such an occasion, but more significantly, it was incredible how positively the gospel was received. 

Rev'd Chris Orczy