Worship in the form of Songs of Praise was held in St Michael’s Church, Shap to give thanks for the successful completion of the church roof repairs.

The worship was led by Revd Beverley Lock and Revd Martin Dew, who welcomed the Bishop of Penrith, Robert Freeman, Archdeacon Kevin Roberts, representatives from the Catholic and Methodist churches the other parishes in the Mission group. 

The hymns had been chosen by members of the church, these included Great is thy Faithfulness, O Love that wilt not let me go, We love the place O God, Alleluia Alleluia, Let all mortal flesh keep silence, Praise my Soul the King of Heaven and four young Christians from Eden Live performed the hymn We are Marching. 

The readings selected by the Bishop and Archdeacon were read by Phyllis Brown and Janet Wood. The prayers were led by Elaine Allison. 

The Bishop shared some thoughts on the way the utter despair of last spring and the cost of repairs which had seemed insurmountable, had in fact been a means to bring people together and the church had been made fit for use again.  

At the end of the service the Bishop distributed licenses to administer communion to Doreen Lee, Wendy Fairer, Elsie Davidson, Sheila Parsons and Barbara Martindale.