A lovely time in London

It was great to gather in the grounds of Westminster Abbey on Tuesday for the service before the new Synod. We gathered in diocesan groups before moving into the abbey where we waited for the Queen. Even the sky was dramatic. This was my first time in the abbey which made it all the more special. I was all dressed up in various bits and pieces which made us all look very grand.

I was impressed with what the Queen said in Church House, especially when she told us that "what matters is holding firmly to the need to communicate the gospel with joy and conviction in our society". The Queen went on to say, "For at the heart of our faith stand not a preoccupation with our own welfare and comfort but the concepts of service and of sacrifice as shown in the life and teachings of the one who made himself nothing, taking the very form of a servant".

I liked that a lot. I liked the was she quoted from Ephesians and wished God's blessing upon us.

The bit in the Abbey that made the hairs on the back of my head stand up was singing God save the Queen while looking at her. All in all it has been a great experience. The next royal excitement is the wedding. Can't wait.

I stayed in a hotel right next to the eye - which was very handy. I didn't have time or really in inclination to go on it.

A report to the last Synod concluded with St Paul’s encouragement to the Ephesian church to "lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Archbishops and members of the Synod, the five years ahead will not always be straightforward. But I am confident that with the encouragement of these words of St. Paul and the certainty of the love of God, you will find the strength and the vision to work together to succeed. May the Lord’s blessing be on you as you embark on your important deliberations.