A Voice in the Garden – Lapp’s Court Residents celebrate the Feast of St John the Baptist outdoors

Posted on June 26, 2026 by mediaccr

Yesterday, 25th June 2026, the residents of Lapp’s Court gathered beneath the shade of a beautiful tree for a special outdoor celebration of the Holy Eucharist, enjoying glorious summer weather and warm fellowship in the heart of their community.

An outdoor gathering with an audience of elderly people seated on chairs, listening to a speaker in religious attire, under a tree near a building.

The idea for holding the service outdoors came from Paul Smyth, Warden of Lapp’s Court, who transformed a peaceful corner of the residential complex into an open-air place of worship. Benches and chairs were arranged beneath one of the large trees, while a simple table served as the altar, creating a fitting setting for the celebration.

The Eucharist was celebrated by the Rev. Martin Steele, Dean’s Vicar of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, who has pastoral responsibility for Lapp’s Court and regularly celebrates the Eucharist there each month. He was assisted by Derek Johnson and David Hennessy, both former Diocesan Lay Readers who hold permission to conduct the Service of Holy Communion by Extension.

A gathering of elderly people sitting on chairs and benches under a large tree, enjoying a sunny outdoor event at a community garden.
A priest in a white robe conducts a service under a tree, addressing a group of elderly individuals seated nearby, including one in a wheelchair.
A group of elderly individuals seated outdoors in a garden setting, listening to a speaker in a white robe standing under a tree. The scene includes a residential building in the background and sunlight filtering through the foliage.
An elderly man playing a keyboard at the entrance of a house, smiling and enjoying the music.
A group of elderly individuals are gathered outside under trees, one person is reading from a book, while a priest conducts a service in the background.
A group of people attending an outdoor service, with a priest reading from a book. Two elderly women are seated on a bench, one in a blue top and the other in a yellow floral shirt, while a small white dog rests nearby.
A priest officiating a service outdoors under a tree, with attendees seated and standing around him, engaged in prayer. The setting features a table with religious items and a sunny garden backdrop.
A priest in white robes performing a blessing or ritual outdoors under a tree, with two men standing beside him. A gathering of seated attendees is visible in the foreground.
A clergy member in white robes and sunglasses distributes items to a group of people in a garden setting, with seated attendees observing.

Residents themselves played an important part in the service. Martin Dunne and Paul Smyth Senior read the lessons, while John Armitage accompanied the congregation on the piano as everyone joined together in singing the hymns. Ted Ardis, former Dean’s Vicar of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, coordinated the readers for the service and, together with John Armitage, selected the hymns for the occasion, helping to shape a service that reflected both the season and the community gathered in worship.

The service took place on the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, a day that seemed particularly fitting for worship beneath the open sky.

Reflecting on the occasion, the Revd Martin Steele said:

“I am very grateful to Paul Smyth for suggesting that we celebrate the Eucharist outdoors this month. Gathering beneath the trees to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist gave the service something of the atmosphere of the New Testament. Surrounded by God’s creation and worshipping together as a community, it was a joyful reminder that the Church has always gathered wherever people come together in Christ’s name.”

The shade of the tree provided a welcome breeze throughout the service, making it a comfortable and peaceful setting despite the warm weather.

A cheerful elderly couple standing outdoors in a garden setting, the man holds a red and white box while the woman smiles and poses beside him, both wearing sunglasses.
A group of six elderly individuals, including three men and three women, gathering outdoors in a garden setting. Two men are seated in front with mobility aids, while the women and one man stand behind them, all smiling. The background features a modest building, well-maintained greenery, and a clear blue sky.
Two women smiling together outdoors. One woman with short, blonde hair wearing a polka dot shirt and the other with long, white hair wearing sunglasses and a striped shirt. Lush greenery and a building can be seen in the background.

Following the Eucharist, residents and visitors gathered in the community room to enjoy tea, coffee, sandwiches and homemade cakes, providing an opportunity to continue conversations and share fellowship together.

A group of people socialising around a long table filled with food and drinks in a well-lit community room, with cheerful decorations on the walls.
A group of people enjoying an afternoon tea gathering, seated around tables covered with food and drinks, while a man serves pastries.
A large group of people gathered around a table filled with food and drinks in a cosy indoor setting.

Thanks to the careful planning and hard work of Paul Smyth and the Revd Martin Steele, the outdoor Eucharist proved to be a memorable celebration, bringing together worship, community and hospitality in a setting that reflected both the beauty of the day and the warmth of the Lapp’s Court community.

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