Provincial Men’s Fellowship Day 28th June 2025

On a superb summer’s day in Ockbrook, thirteen brothers and two sisters met to enjoy the Provincial Men’s Fellowship Day. We were welcomed most warmly – literally – both by the weather and, from the heart, by Br Joachim.

Most of the population of Derbyshire seemed to have arrived in Ockbrook that morning, whether for the Well Dressing or for the Over the Wall summer fayre and fun day. Despite Br Joachim’s encouragement, none of our group succumbed to the bouncy castle or the face painting tent!

The hymn singing, prayers and devotions were all enthusiastic and apposite to the occasion. Greetings were welcomed from the Provincial Board and from our sisters at the Moravian Women’s Association.

Sr Jane Carter gave us an inspiring presentation covering her work on behalf of the British Mission Board, especially in Tanzania and in South Asia. Jane’s visit to the Zanzibar Slave Museum was especially poignant. The sterling work with the Sikonge 100 hospital project was especially insightful. In Tanzania, it was fascinating to hear that churches are having to be re-built and extended to cope with the increasing growth of congregation numbers. It was also a treat to see ‘Our lamb has conquered’ pictured and described in other languages.

Church members often wonder how our donations and funding is well spent. A school in Binnakandi has had to be rebuilt as most of it has been eaten by termites; there is a need for school buses, in addition to the need to build and sustain relationships with key parties and to encourage growth and development.

Br Joachim led us in Holy Communion and also led a Well Dressing ceremony in the church grounds. Here we were joined by several locals and a dog, and a rousing singing of ‘All things bright and beautiful’ rounded off the occasion in style.

Our thanks go to Br Joachim and to the brothers and sisters of Ockbrook for making us so welcome and for all their hospitality. Thanks also to Br Kenneth Evans for organising and introducing the day with his customary enthusiasm and aplomb, and to Sr Jane for her enlightening presentation.

We were encouraged to consider whether to have biannual events for the Provincial Men’s Fellowship, and as a first timer at this event, I can but encourage brethren from throughout the province to come next time. It was very special to meet for the first-time brothers from Harlesden and from Ockbrook in addition to catching up with familiar friends and faces.

In the meantime, to quote Br Joachim’s blessing, ‘travel lightly, but share each other’s burdens.’

Br John Holmes

Fulneck