I took the phone call, suitcase in hand, en route to my front door. ‘Could you and your daughter use tickets to the movie world premiere in Leicester Square, in 3 days’ time? It’s black tie, of course. George Clooney’s one of the actors attending...’ I would be away from home until 3 hours before the premiere, with no opportunity to shop for dresses. But did I hesitate? Of course not! There isn’t space here to tell all, but yes, I found the clothes, and yes, a Baptist minister and her 8-year-old daughter walked on the red carpet at the very same time as Hollywood ‘A’ list celebrity, George Clooney!

The crowd’s excitement, and all the media fuss, gave me an idea of how it might have felt to be part of the crowd following Jesus around in 1^st century Palestine. Ripples of rumours flowing from the front rows to the back, desperate hangers-on trying to elbow their way to the front, drawing attention to themselves as they went, waving, shouting. But, in Leicester Square, the actor at the centre of it all was just a man, smiling enigmatically, refusing to give an interview. If it wasn’t for the cameras trained on him, I might have missed him! Jesus was the Son of God – and the extraordinary things he was saying and doing were what marked him out.

The hot, dusty streets of 1^st Century Palestine may seem a far cry from Bovingdon High Street, but worshippers at the Baptist Church are part of a crowd who continue to seek Jesus. We believe that we can see him at work in and through the lives of his followers. At the heart of the village, our doors are always open for all who seek God. And over the past year we have welcomed many visitors.

The chapel was packed for our Community Christingle on Christmas Eve - the atmosphere was very special. In the Spring we focused on worship – offering our lives in service to God - and are following a Lent course on ‘Christ’s Cross and Ours’. On 7^th March we were joined by Chipperfield Baptist Church to mark TEARFund Sunday with a special service and a fundraising lunch to help support the charity’s work in developing countries. We are also working towards becoming a ‘Fairtrade church’ (watch this space).

From 18^th April we’re embarking on a new venture. On the 3^rd Sunday of the month (April – July) we will be holding ‘Messy Church’ at the chapel from 3.30 – 5.30 pm. Open to all, but especially focused on families together, Messy Church is an opportunity to play games, do crafts, hear Bible stories, eat together and share in all-age worship. Have a look at the 'Messy Church' page on this website or call the church office for more information.

We’re not expecting George Clooney, but we’re certain that in the midst of the busyness and activity of everyday life, Jesus walks with us. You’re welcome to join the crowd and seek him for yourself.