An invitation to offer a blessing in Enfield’s Council Chamber became the inspiration for a gathering that brought civic leaders, churches and community organisations together at St Stephen’s, Bush Hill Park, on Sunday 13 September 2026.
Hosted by the Parish of St Mark and St Stephen, “A Civic Welcome for Enfield: Choral Evensong and Community Gathering” welcomed more than 110 adults. Celebrating the parish’s new choir, the occasion offered a hopeful expression of Christian faith in the public square: rooted in the gospel, generous in its welcome and committed to the flourishing of the whole community.
The idea began when the Vicar, the Revd Prebendary Dr Amatu Christian-Iwuagwu, was invited to offer prayers at the council meeting at which Councillor Emma Supple was elected Mayor. Before the proceedings, her encouragement to share the gospel of Christ in the chamber planted the seed for a wider encounter between the parish, civic leadership and the communities they serve.
Sunday’s gathering brought that possibility to life.
Seeking the welfare of Enfield
The Worshipful the Mayor of Enfield, Councillor Emma Supple, read Jeremiah 29.4-7 and 11-14, with its call to seek the peace and welfare of the city. Originally addressed to people living in exile, the passage offered a foundation for civic responsibility: even among people whose beliefs and backgrounds differ from our own, we are called to invest in our shared home.
Emma Morgan-Lo read Luke 10.25–37, the parable of the Good Samaritan. In his sermon, Fr Amatu explored Jesus’ invitation to cross boundaries and respond to human need with practical compassion. The challenge was immediate and local: to notice loneliness, support those facing hardship and make room for people who feel overlooked.
Together with Psalm 133’s celebration of unity, the readings shaped a vision of Enfield in which people of different faiths and no faith could work alongside one another, bringing their convictions and gifts to the common task of caring for their neighbours.
Seeking the welfare of Enfield
The Worshipful the Mayor of Enfield, Councillor Emma Supple, read Jeremiah 29.4-7 and 11-14, with its call to seek the peace and welfare of the city. Originally addressed to people living in exile, the passage offered a foundation for civic responsibility: even among people whose beliefs and backgrounds differ from our own, we are called to invest in our shared home.
Emma Morgan-Lo read Luke 10.25–37, the parable of the Good Samaritan. In his sermon, Fr Amatu explored Jesus’ invitation to cross boundaries and respond to human need with practical compassion. The challenge was immediate and local: to notice loneliness, support those facing hardship and make room for people who feel overlooked.
Together with Psalm 133’s celebration of unity, the readings shaped a vision of Enfield in which people of different faiths and no faith could work alongside one another, bringing their convictions and gifts to the common task of caring for their neighbours.
A diocesan vision expressed locally
The gathering gave practical expression to the Diocese of London’s vision of confident discipleship, compassionate communities and creative growth.
Confident discipleship was evident in the open sharing of Scripture and the invitation to follow Christ through practical love of neighbour. Compassionate communities came into focus through the intercessions, the organisations serving Enfield and the generous hospitality that followed. Creative growth found expression in the new choir and in bringing civic leaders, churches and community groups together through worship, music and conversation.
Here, the Church of England’s parish vocation took a visible and welcoming form. A parish church’s responsibility reaches beyond its congregation to the whole neighbourhood. Its contribution to the public square includes creating space where people can meet, speak honestly, listen generously and discover shared responsibilities.
The evening expressed a conviction that confidence in Christian faith can deepen openness to others. Rooted in Christ, the church can offer its distinctive witness while working respectfully with everyone seeking the welfare of the borough.
Many voices, a shared concern
That commitment was reflected in the ecumenical intercessions. Mother Claire Betts was joined by the Revd Ruth Dewis of the North Enfield Pastorate of United Reformed Churches; David Wisker of New River Church, Edmonton; Fr Daniel Humphreys of the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St George; and Pastor Pat Agdomar of Glory of the Cross Ministry.
Their prayers embraced civic leadership, Christian unity, families, public services, peace and justice, and those experiencing poverty, loneliness, discrimination or violence. Different Christian traditions joined in shared prayer for the people of Enfield.
The “Community Voices” contributions then brought the borough’s network of service into view. Vivien Taylor represented Enfield Choral Society; Claudia Deutschmann, Enfield Vintage and Collectibles Fair; Alison Carter, Age UK; Pastor Margaret Harasimowicz, the Grace and Righteousness Ministry; Jane Chappell, Enfield School Pastors; and Nicky Routledge, Christians Against Poverty.
Their contributions highlighted the many ways communities flourish: through music and shared interests, companionship, care for young people and practical support during difficult times.
From worship to welcome
The Book of Common Prayer service, enriched by the new choir under Tom Fowkes’s direction, offered space for beauty, reflection and prayer. The choir’s contribution was an encouraging beginning to a new chapter in the parish’s musical life and its welcome to the wider community.
Afterwards, refreshments prepared and served by parish volunteers brought the day to a warm and convivial close. Conversations continued around the tables as guests met one another and shared something of their lives and work. The hospitality reflected the message of the service: making time and room for our neighbours.
The hope is that these encounters will deepen relationships between the parish, neighbouring churches, civic leaders and community organisations, opening further opportunities to serve Enfield together.
From an invitation in the Council Chamber to fellowship over refreshments, the occasion showed how a local church can bring a diocesan vision to life through prayer, confidence in the gospel and generous public service. Jesus’ closing words in the Good Samaritan offered the invitation to carry that spirit beyond the church doors: “Go, and do thou likewise.”
