Alongside the rowing and celebrating at next week’s Henley Royal Regatta will be the opportunity to join a new contemplative service.
Trinity Church in the town will be hosting four new reflective services creating a quiet space in which to be still among the noise of the week.
Vicar of Trinity Church, the Revd Sam Brewster, said: “We want to try to serve and reach out into the town. We have also noticed that some of the younger people, many who are on gap years, are coming along so we are engaging with this age group.”
The service will include a talk by members of the congregation including two Olympic rowing silver medallists, speaking about things like Finding Peace and Living with Purpose.
St Mary’s Church will be the venue for the Regatta civic service, traditionally held during Regatta. This year’s service will include a talk from Kris Kandiah. A café run from the church also provides physical sustenance as well as spiritual support.
Vicar at St Mary’s, the Revd Jeremy Tayler, said: “I think it is really important for the church to be part of Regatta. It is quite a big part of the identity of the town. It would be very peculiar if we did not engage with it. People in our congregation are hosting crews and coaches, the town really opens itself up to the teams that come here.
“Given everything that Jesus taught us about welcome and hospitality and there is an element of caring for the stranger in this. And of course, it is an opportunity to preach the Gospel to a different group of people.”
The contemplative services will be held on 30 June, 1, 3 and 4 July at 6pm at Trinity Church. The civic service will be held at St Mary’s in Henley on 6 July.