Visit by the Bishop of Norwich makes history
Neatishead Baptist Church, near Wroxham, was delighted to welcome the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Reverend Graham James, as guest preacher on 15th May as part of their 200th Anniversary celebrations
 As far as records can be checked, this is the first time a Bishop has set foot in the church. (Baptists don't have bishops; their equivalents are called Regional Ministers). Bishop Graham spoke about how much inter-church relations had moved on in the past 200 years. In 1811 the newly formed Baptist church at Neatishead would have never dreamed of inviting an Anglican to preach. And - even if they had - the Bishop of the day would most likely have refused to visit a non-conformist church. How good that times have changed
pictured left is Bishop Graham speaking to Larry Lamb, Neatishead's oldest member at 94 and still a lay preacher
Speaking on St John chapter 10, Bishop Graham brought his hazel wood crozier to remind us of the features of a shepherd's crook and work. He spoke of Jesus as Shepherd, who guides and guards with a firm but gentle hand
During the service the Bishop dedicated three cross-stitch cushions that had been designed by a church member, Joan Wellstead (pictured right with Bishop Graham), for our 200th year. Several members of the congregation each did a few squares. After the service the Bishop joined the congregation at a buffet lunch
Rev Sue Seeley said "Altogether a ground-breaking visit for our small rural non-conformist church and a real joy and privilege" | 