Over seventy people, including children, attended the commissioning of the new way station in St Mary’s church in Bluntisham on Sunday 28th February following a lively Cafe Church breakfast in the church hall.   Rt Revd David Thomson, Bishop suffragan of Huntingdon, blessed the new installation over the arch in the church porch.

The Rt Revd David Thomson, (right) with members of the congregation

After he had done so, he encouraged the congregation to join him in blessing the land to the north, south, east and west in line with their position on the Greenwich meridian.  The artwork was inspired by Jesus’ words in Luke 13 which speaks of God’s great love for all mankind, and his desire that people of all sorts and from every place might  find a welcome at his table. The words on the arch are of particular significance to the people of the parishes that form the Meridian benefice which is led by the Rector, Revd Sheila Anthony.

The figures on the artwork were made and painted largely by the people of Bluntisham-cum-Earith, Colne and Holywell-cum-Needingworth in Cambridgeshire.    The young people who attended the “Intents” youth camp near Dereham, Norfolk last May also helped carve the figures.   The rest of the artwork has been completed by a team from the “Turn Around” programme at Fincham’s Farm in Norfolk.

Cecily Marshall (left) with Gill and Steve Eggleton

The artwork was based on an original design by Cecily Marshall of Earithand makes a link with Jacob’s vision of angels on a ladder and God’s promise to him, which resonates with these words of Jesus.  (See Genesis 28 v 14)