John Bell of the Iona Community has headed south to lead a day of joyful singing for more than a hundred keen voices at St Alkelda’s, Giggleswick.
Folk from Revd Julie Clarkson's three parishes of Giggleswick, Rathmell with Wigglesworth and Settle, were joined by friends from other local churches and farther afield for "The Big Sing" with the well-known Scottish hymn writer, broadcaster and Church of Scotland minister.
This was a return visit to the Dales for John and he was given an enthusiastic welcome before he encouraged and taught this scratch choir of singers to make a grand noise, singing songs of "Justice and Joy,” said Edith Diggles of St Alkelda’s.
“During the short break sales of 'Iona' songbooks were brisk. Hopefully, some time soon, we'll be sharing and singing these new songs once again with our friends across the three parishes.”
John stayed the night and preached on the first Sunday of Lent at the parishes United Service of Holy Communion.