HAEBEA & Watton Anniversary Celebrations

Formed in September 2006, HAEBEA is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year.

An Area Celebration Afternoon Tea and Service was held on Sunday 16th October 2016 at Watton-at-Stone Methodist Church who are also celebrating their 125th Anniversary!

Tea and Cakes including two Birthday Cakes — one for HAEBEA and one for Watton-at-Stone were shared and enjoyed before the Service.

Celebration Service

The Revd John Buxton, who was part of the Ministerial Team when HAEBEA was founded, led the Service which was attended by members of the 16 churches that are now part of the Ecumenical Area.

Other members of the current Ministerial Team were in attendance and helped to lead parts of the Celebratory Service. These included the Revd Kathryn Taylor (Area Chair), Revd Barbara Evans-Routley (Methodist Superintendent), Revd Sam, Revd Ann Kosla and Revd Erica Beglin.

Mrs Sue Finney from Hoddesdon Methodist Church, played the Organ to accompany the hearty singing by all present.

Lay Pastor Commissioning

During the service, Revd Barbara Evans-Routley commissioned Mr John Ellis to the newly created post of 'Lay Pastor' at Watton-at-Stone Methodist Church. John is a long serving Local Preacher within HAEBEA and Church Steward at Watton-at-Stone and his appointment to this unpaid leadership role is a new venture for John and the community at Watton-at Stone.

125th Anniversary Celebration Service

Earlier in the day the Revd Dr David Chapman, the newly appointed District Chair for the Beds, Essex and Herts Methodist District, led Morning Worship at Watton as part of the 125th Anniversary Celebrations. A new Chalice and Paten were blessed at the service to mark the event.