Each Sunday, the Church of England stream a service online.  Last Sunday, ahead of the start of the Olympic Games, they joined Trinity Church in Maisons-Laffitte, Paris.  You can see the wonderful service here. 

The Reverend Charlotte Sullivan led the service, sharing how we can extend hospitality to others.  She said:   

“We were thrilled to be invited to participate in the Church of England online service, sitting down to enjoy the service on a Sunday evening has been part of my weekly tradition for several years.  During the pandemic, online worship became our new norm, and it's wonderful to see this form of ministry continuing to thrive in many churches, including our own. 

 
Working with Andrew Earis, who flew in to record the service in just a few hours, was a true pleasure. He made everyone feel at ease and any prerecording nerves were soon settled. Andrew asked us to recommend a local viewpoint to record the beginning of the service, we chose the beautiful “La Terrace in St Germain en Laye”. La Terrasse is just a few km’s from Holy Trinity Church Maisons Laffitte . It has historic links to Louis XIV and breathtaking views over Paris. 

 
There's palpable excitement in Paris as we gear up for the opening ceremony, and conversations in our church are buzzing about the upcoming events and ticket plans. We are praying that the event will be a great success and a significant blessing for all involved.” 

Pictured: The interior of Holy Trinity

Of course, many chaplaincies across France will be opening their doors in welcome to those participating in or visiting an Olympic event taking place nearby.  Please do remember them all in your prayers. 

The Diocese in Europe will be back on the airwaves this Sunday 28 July when Sunday Worship is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 0810 bst from St George’s Paris.  The programme will also be available after transmission on BBC Sounds.