Earls Barton church gets green light to show thanks for St John Ambulance - and is back open for private prayer

Anyone passing Earls Barton's ancient Anglo-Saxon parish church of All Saints' last week might have thought that they were seeing things as the usually ironstone landmark was glowing a green colour.

The church had been due to host Northamptonshire's St John Ambulance service of thanksgiving on St John's Day with members from across the county joining together.

But due to the continued social distancing rules, including a temporary ban on communal worship, instead of the gathering the famous tenth century tower was lit-up with bright green spotlights - the colour of the brigade's volunteers' uniforms.

Revd Jenny Ingram, vicar of Earls Barton, said: "We wanted to show solidarity with all the volunteers doing such great work. It was good to be able to promote their work and give thanks.

"It was the first time we were going to have a service and we still wanted to participate in the county celebrations.

"Some people have said it looked a little bit spooky in their messages. I think it looked super."

All Saints joined other buildings across the country that were lit up in green during the evening of Wednesday, June 24, to celebrate St John’s Day.

Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “It was wonderful to see so many buildings lit up in green on Wednesday evening to help us celebrate St John’s Day and we’re immensely grateful to the owners who agreed for this to happen.

"Currently the volunteers are supporting the NHS and communities around the country in the fight against Covid-19, and our St John’s Day celebrations this year had to take quite a different form because of the coronavirus. The contribution and participation of so many people nationally made it a truly memorable day.”

All Saints' Earls Barton is now back open for private prayer two days a week with Ms Ingram welcoming people at the door.

She said: "Life is coming back to normal. The community spirit is incredible and I've been very proud of our church family.

"We open for private prayer. I stand outside and welcome people and inside there are a few volunteers to provide a presence.

"On Sunday we had 25 people come in and most weren't members of the congregation.

"We're hoping to be back open soon for services but it's going to be very different with no singing and at communion we'll be able to share the bread but not the wine."

For services and opening times go to the All Saints website or for their YouTube online Sunday services click here .

To find out more about the work of St John Ambulance click here or to donate to the St John's Day appeal.

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