Revd Emma's Last Service & Ghazal's Painting Unveiling

On Sunday, 20th July 2025, St Mary Magdalene was filled with a vibrant mix of celebration, heartfelt farewells, and artistic revelation. The congregation gathered for a truly memorable service that honoured our patron saint, marked the final service of Revd Emma Hopegood Jones, and saw the unveiling of a breathtaking painting of Jesus and St Mary Magdalene by the artist Ghazal.

The Patronal Festival is always a cornerstone of the church's year, a time to reflect on the unwavering devotion of its namesake. This year's celebration, however, was imbued with a special poignancy as the community came together for a service that marked a significant moment of transition.

The day was a fond farewell to Revd Emma Hopegood Jones, who has been the much-loved parish priest since January 2021. Revd Jones is set to embark on a new chapter in her ministry as the Vicar of St Andrew's Headington in Oxford. Her final service was a moving occasion, filled with gratitude for her four and a half years of dedicated leadership and pastoral care. The importance of the occasion was highlighted by the presence of visiting clergy and priests, alongside the Mayor of Welwyn Garden City, Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE as well as Deputy Mayor, Councillor Michal Siewniak who came to show their support and appreciation.

A powerful symbol of a new chapter for the church was then revealed: a magnificent painting, generously gifted by the artist Ghazal. The artwork, depicting Jesus and St Mary Magdalene at the tomb, is an emotive piece that captures the profound moment of their encounter on the first Easter morning. For Ghazal, this painting is a particularly meaningful offering. Having been displaced from her home country of Iran, she found a welcoming community at St Mary Magdalene's upon her arrival in London. This generous gift is a testament to her gratitude and her desire to share her incredible talent with her new church family. The painting will undoubtedly serve as a lasting source of inspiration and reflection for all who see it.

The convergence of these three significant events – the celebration of a beloved saint, the farewell to a cherished priest, and the gift of a beautiful new work of art – made for an unforgettable day at St Mary Magdalene's. It was a service that looked back with thankfulness, celebrated the present with joy, and looked forward to the future with hope.