St Adwenna’s Church, Cornwall
St Adwenna Church (St Advent)
Little is known of Adwenna other than she is a daughter of King Brychan and came with her siblings to evangelise Cornwall and was the patron saint of sweethearts.
This church is away from any settlement and walked into by footpath. It is on a ‘lan‘ and immediately I can feel it is sacred ground and a joyfilled place in the Spirit.
Whilst the church is in a sad condition there is a stunning quilt that brightens it and brings beauty. Refreshments are available for visitors to help themselves which is so welcoming.
I feel joyful here and so does Megsy our dog. Her eyes shine brightly with happiness when she senses God’s presence or angels.
Worship is pulled out of us and we sing ‘How great thou art’ at top volume.
Worshipping freely with raised hands I’m suddenly aware I can feel warmth like fire on my right hand. I move forward a pew and there is definitely a warmer spot. It isn’t in the sun or created by anything naturally. I bask in this presence of God and settle to wait and see.
High praise again erupts from our spirits, joyfully. We continue singing for some time, lifting up the name of Jesus. We sing, ‘Spring up oh well’ a song based on Numbers 21:17, calling up the ancient deposits of God’s Spirit on this land. Prayers over many centuries have been prayed here and some are still to be answered.
This is a ‘thin place’. Heaven feels very near.
In my mind’s eye, I see someone washing the feet of another person, being very kind, very gentle and loving, caring for them. I sense it is possibly Adwenna and her ministry when she lived here.
Outside the raised ‘lan’ the circular enclosure indicative of an early Christian settlement, is very obvious. There is a real freedom, joy and peace and I just want to linger here.
My husband and I sat for ages in the churchyard not wanting to leave the rarified spiritual atmosphere which was so full of God’s peace. We will definitely be returning. There are not many places which feel this pure and sacred. I cannot recommend it more strongly for someone wanting to come aside and meet with God.
