WORSHIPPERS cemented links between Watford and its German twin town when they participated in their sixth exchange visit.

Parishioners and members of the church choir at St Michael and All Angels Church, Mildred Avenue Watford, visited the congregation at St Albanskirche in Mainz.

The visit included a joint service to celebrate the German church choir's 30th anniversary.

It is the sixth time that the two churches have exchanged visits and very close ties have grown up between the two communities.

At the main church service on Sunday, October 21, the two choirs sang and organist Andy Benoy, who has just celebrated his 25th anniversary as organist at St Michael and All Angels, was invited to play.

Vicar of St Michael's the Reverend Jo Spray, who organises the exchange, said: "This is much more than a town twinning exercise, however, as the Church in Mainz is Roman Catholic and St Michael's is Anglican.

"It is so important not only to build bridges across national boundaries but also to recognise what unites us in our Christian lives."

In his greeting to the congregation, the priest of St Albanskirche, Pfarrer Winfried Hommel, said: "We are particularly happy that we can celebrate our church service together, as it is a sign of solidarity, especially in the present time, for peace and a better understanding between the nations."

November 6, 2001 10:30