CAPTION: The service included a panel discussion about what it means to make room for others and the Holy Spirit in our lives
Exeter Cathedral Packed for Pentecost ‘Making Room’ Service
Exeter Cathedral was packed with around 850 people from across Devon for the Thy Kingdom Come Making Room service on Pentecost Sunday.
The service, which explored themes of hospitality, welcome and inclusion was led by the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison and Dr Ysanne Marville, from Rediscover church in Exeter.
It included contributions from representatives of different denominations in Devon. For the first time a translation app was used to enable people to hear the service in their own language.
The service included music, prayers, a panel discussion and a talk
Ysanne said “There is something special when churches come together. It feels like a glimpse of heaven, races and tribes and tongues – something special has happened here and I pray it continues in my life throughout the weeks ahead.”
The worship was led by singer songwriter Andy Flannagan and included his new song ‘Making Room’, written specially for the service. A children’s choir from St Michael’s and All Angels church in Heavitree also sung a John Rutter anthem at the start of the service.
Krish Kandiah, Director of the Sanctuary Foundation, preached about inclusion and spoke about his experience of growing up as the child of immigrant parents from Malaysia and India and his mother’s experience of racism when she worked as a nurse in Britain in the 1960s.
He also spoke about his experience of being a foster parent to a number of children, along with his wife. At the end of his talk he offered people the opportunity to make a commitment of faith – and at least one person decided to become a Christian.
The Cathedral’s main doors were opened to allow more people to hear the service outside
After the service Krish said “It’s been amazing to be here at Exeter Cathedral for the service. We had a full room and it was beautiful to hear everyone’s voices lifted in praise.
“The highlight for me was a lady who came to me at the end and said she wanted to be part of God’s family.
“It was incredible to be able to welcome her and let her know that God has open arms for anyone that will come to him. It was fantastic.”
The service was part of the worldwide Thy Kingdom Come ten days of prayer between Ascension Day and Pentecost Sunday. It included a new video of people from across Devon saying the Lord’s Prayer in different languages, including sign language.
There was also a panel discussion on what it means to make room for other people and God in our lives, which included Bishop Mike, Ysanne Marvelle, Krish Kandiah and Hannah Richards from Christians Together in Devon.
Beforehand the panel and congregation watched a video interview with Magnus, who had been homeless before Exeter YMCA ‘made room’ for him and enabled him to practise his blacksmithing skills and apply for university.
There were also stalls from a number of refugee and fostering charities, as well as activities for children and families.
