Hornsey, London - June 2025

It’s been a busy time at Hornsey over the past few months. As a result of the NCD survey, a prayer group was set up through WhatsApp. On the first meeting, ten people took part and since then the group has grown and has been well attended. The format is a weekly video call where prayers can be shared, and prayers are also asked for and shared throughout the week via messages. We have members from our church as well as family members and friends who have joined us.

We’ve had the usual busy time of Lent and Easter. Our Lent Study group was held each week, which has been shared with the other Moravian Churches in the Eastern District. As is the Moravian tradition, the Hosanna Anthem was on Palm Sunday, doing ourselves proud with the singing and expertly led by our organist, Br Klaus. The Passion Week Readings were held online for the first three days. Our Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services were held in the church, the second of which was followed by an outdoor service with other Hornsey churches which was attended by some of our members. We were grateful for the good weather for the occasion, as singing in the rain isn’t what we would want. Finally, our Easter Sunday service was very well attended and enjoyed by all.

Over the past few months, there have been a few milestone birthdays which can’t go unmentioned. We’ve had three 90th birthdays, Br Harry Hughes, Sr Ivy Thorpe and Sr Audrey Joseph, who had many of her family join her at church on the big day. On Easter Sunday, Br Ken Davis celebrated his 95th birthday with a lunch in the hall after the service. We hope you all enjoyed celebrating your special birthdays.

At Hornsey, we’re lucky enough to have our own steel band, thanks to Br Harry and members of his family. We’re regularly treated to hearing the band play for us at services, as well as other events throughout the year. They have already played for us a few times this year and on Sunday 27th April, after our morning service, anyone who wanted to was given the opportunity to have a go at playing the steel pans themselves. Quite a few members enjoyed trying this and quite possibly discovered that playing the steel pans isn’t as easy as Harry and the band make it look. We’re always very grateful to them for the music they provide for us.

The weather finally seems to have taken a turn for the better (hopefully not said too hastily) as we look forward to the warmer months for our summer events.

Sr Claire Newman