January the first, two thousand. Prising my eyes open after a rather short night, I made my way into Godmanchester. The day was bright, crisp and uplifting, the river sparkling, the church bells ringing, the debris of party poppers along The Causeway already cleared away.

A new start? Well, it had been encouraging to hear news bulletins about peaceful and joyous celebrations, to see the world united in celebrating the changing millennium, each culture in its own way. In a similar way it was encouraging to enter the Salvation Army Citadel in Silver Street and be greeted not only by Lieutenant Beverley Robilliard from theSalvation Army Church, but also by our vicar Father Neil, Geoff Larcombe from the Baptist Church and Stella Howard from the Society of Friends. And so the congregations of Godmanchester united to celebrate the New Year/ Century/ Millennium together, each bringing their own flavour of praise and prayer, with Beverley Robilliard sensitively linking each part of the service with a few words.

We began with a rousing chorus, ‘Shine Jesus Shine' followed by prayers led by Father Neil, which included signing ‘Be still for the presence of the Lord is here'. After a Bible reading and an offering for the work which the Salvation Army undertakes for the homeless, Stella led us into a time of silence which was brought to an end by singing ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind'. I hadn't realised before that the author of this favourite hymn, John Greenleaf Whittier, was an American Quaker. The address, given by Geoff Larcombe, reminded us that whatever changes take place in the world god is the same' yesterday, today and forever' and the love God offers us is for all places and all times. This was echoed in our final hymn - a Methodist one by Charles Wesley,'Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go'. We concluded by saying the Millennium Resolution together:

Let there be respect for the earth,
peace for its people, love in our lives,
delight in the good, forgiveness for past wrongs,
and from now on a new start.

A new Start? Yes, I think there was a new start in Godmanchester on New year's Day - long may its spirit continue.

(First published St Mary's Parish magazine Feb 2000).

Pat Saunders

© 2000 Godmanchester Community Association