Many online meetings and work on partnership agreements and desired outcomes followed during the subsequent months.

At the beginning of September, Jeff was invited by the Bishop of Stockholm, Bishop Andreas Holmberg, to work for three days in his diocese. It began with a day with +Andreas and his senior staff, including an evening with him and other senior parish colleagues. Lots of discussion, planning and explorations followed as to how we can be mutually supportive in our different and distinctive contexts in being present, proactive and impactful in our communities and wider society as expressions of Christian influence and commitment.

Jeff said: "Among the significant moments were the witness of a ground-floor four-room apartment that has been converted to a church community venue on a residential waterfront site. Lunchtime concerts there are a weekly experience for the community, followed by lunch and conversations.

"To hear a local ‘gymnasium’ (specialist sixth-form) student’s playing of an extended piano jazz version of the Swedish composer’s song How Great Thou Art will rest with me for years, for a whole host of reasons. But importantly, it spoke to me of the relevance and importance of Church being where the people are, rather than anticipating that people will in today’s society automatically and exclusively come to where Church physically exists."

The future looks exciting for a range of ways in which our diocese can mutually benefit from online and in-person partnerships and learning opportunities. If individuals or parishes in our diocese have historic links with anyone or a parish in Sweden, do contact Jeff here so we can coordinate ways forward. Our Diocesan plan to embed and bless our existing partnership will be developed in the coming months, so any ideas and thoughts are equally welcome.