Churchgoer from US renews baptismal vows in Avon Valley Church benefice

A CHURCHGOER from the US made a spiritual journey to the New Forest to renew her baptismal vows.

Andrea Board from Winchester, Virginia, was inspired to visit by Avon Valley Church’s Facebook page, which she began following at the start of the Covid pandemic. The group made big efforts to engage with people via social media when lockdowns put a stop to services.

In a “very moving” service at St Mary’s Church in Fordingbridge, Andrea told the congregation: “Every single one of you is a huge part of my spiritual journey and I am so grateful to all of you.

“I never thought something so positive could come out of such a negative situation, and yet here I am today.

“From Saturday afternoon when I arrived, I was welcomed by people who have shaped my faith journey and have become my family and community. So many people surrounded me and supported me when I renewed my baptismal vows.

“Relationships have deepened and more friendships have been formed.”

Andrea was introduced to Avon Valley Church’s online services – which are created and shared by members of the seven churches in the benefice – by ordinand Jo Criscenti, whose sister Andrea met while travelling.

Since then, she’s never missed a service, a thought for the day, or a Saturday conversation.

She also contributes her own thought for the day once a month.

The Rev. John Towler from Avon Valley Churches said: “For the church, Covid 19 was tragic in the devastation of loss of lives, and beneficial in terms of our outreach.

“Andrea’s story is ample testimony to this piece of technology that bridged the Atlantic and enabled her and many others locally to renew a sense of connection with God and his church. It brought strength and comfort to her in troublous times.”