Event Detail

Sandown Park Racecourse, Gold Cup Suite, Level 2
Esher
United Kingdom
KT10 9AJ

Date: Sun 29 June 2008
Time: 11.00 am
Cost: Free

Phone: 01372 450045
Email: thea.raggatt@cornerstonethechurch.com
Web: www.cornerstonethechurch.com

‘The Vicar of Baghdad’
(as seen on the ITV documentary of the same name)
brings some of his Iraqi congregation to
Cornerstone the Church, Esher

The internationally renowned ‘Vicar of Baghdad’, Canon Andrew White, is bringing children from his war-torn Iraqi church to Esher, to enjoy Sunday worship at Cornerstone the Church.

Canon Andrew is vicar of St George’s Church in Baghdad, the only Anglican church in Iraq. For the first time ever this Sunday (29th June), he will be bringing a small number of children from Baghdad to Sandown Park’s Cornerstone the Church, to attend their ‘Family First’ live music event.

Needless to say, the opportunity to practise their faith in an environment so far removed from their home country, and to enjoy the live-music with Cornerstone’s own regular congregation, will be a very different experience for the Canon’s young visitors.

Cornerstone’s Family First music morning, starting at 11am in Sandown Park’s Gold Cup suite, features live tracks from cutting-edge Christian singer songwriter Philippa Hanna, with a sumptuous family meal provided for all visitors, after the music finishes.

On previous visits to Cornerstone, Canon Andrew has given fascinating and incredibly moving accounts of life in Baghdad for himself and those of his Iraqi congregation. On Sunday (29th June), he will again take the opportunity to address the audience and deliver another inspirational message.

As well as practising at St George’s Church, Canon Andrew White is Chaplain to the Allied Forces in Iraq, President and CEO of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, and a key political figure in the region. Last month, ITV aired a documentary called ‘The Vicar of Baghdad’, which was dedicated to his life, and his political and religious work.

Founder and Senior Pastor of Cornerstone the Church, Chris Demetriou commented: “We already have more than 40 different nationalities attending Cornerstone, and it is a real privilege to welcome these young visitors from Iraq to our church family.

“We put a lot of emphasis on the importance of family at Cornerstone,” Pastor Chris continued. “With so many families regularly attending, Family First has really proved its success as a relaxed, enjoyable morning for everyone.”

Cornerstone will also be greeting Philippa Hanna, as the latest guest artist to join the line-up of astoundingly good musical talent performing at Family First. Hailing from Sheffield, Philippa is an exciting new Christian singer-songwriter whose cool, energetic tracks have been making a lasting impression in the UK and Europe.

Philippa recently released her debut album – ‘Watching Me’ – and is currently busy performing at venues throughout the UK. Philippa has also worked as a session musician in collaboration with artists such as Spice Girl Emma Bunton, and it seems music runs in her family – her brother was former bassist for Jamiroquai, whilst two of her cousins are both members of the indie band, Embrace.

“Philippa is just the kind of artist we enjoy seeing at Family First events,” said Pastor Chris. “Modern, energetic tracks from a dynamic young Christian musician. We’re looking forward to another electrifying morning of live music on Sunday.”

Family First starts at 11am and is a free event that provides a relaxed, sociable and informal atmosphere for all the family to enjoy. Cornerstone the Church meets every week in Sandown Park’s Gold Cup Suite, usually at 10.30am and 6pm. Visit Cornerstone’s website, www.cornerstonethechurch.com, or telephone the Church Office on 01372 450045 for more details about Family First and for this week’s service times.

There’s always free coffee and on-site parking. Please call 01372 450045 or email admin@cornerstonethechurch.com for further details. You are also very welcome to browse our website for free downloads of our life affirming talks www.cornerstonethechurch.com or become one of our friends at www.myspace.com/friendsfirstesher.

Listed in categories: MusicYouthEvangelismTeachingGigWorshipSocialMinistry

Featuring
Philippa Hanna

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