At least 2,000 people are expected to converge on Saltus field for the open air eucharist, Forward in Faith, organised as an Island-wide effort by the Anglican church on Sunday, June 21.

Every parish will take part in the special service, described as "a first for Bermuda'', which is being led by well-known Anglican evangelist, Bishop Michael Marshall.

Representatives of all the parishes, led by the Somerset Brigade and North Village bands, banner bearers, servers, lay-readers, wardens, clergy and Bishop William Down, will walk in procession from Pembroke Sunday School along Marsh Folly, St. John's Road and Woodlands Road to the Saltus field.

Committee Chairman, Father Ewen Ratteray says that one of the aims of the event is to demonstrate the unity of the Anglican church and to show that it is made up of people of all ages, cultures and races.

"When we are all busy worshipping in our own little churches, we don't really know what is going on, there is a sense of isolation, so this presents us with a wonderful chance to come together,'' he says.

He says that the open-air service is also being organised as the Bermuda Anglican church's contribution to the "decade of evangelism'', which he hopes will "stir our own congregations first and when we are seen out in strength, others will want to be a part of it. So it is an act of witness''.

Special pottery communion vessels have been made by the Island Pottery for the occasion and each parish is making giant banners that will be borne aloft during the procession to the field. The frontal altar cover is being made by the Community of Jesus.

A choir of 120, drawn from the parishes, is busy rehearsing under the direction of Ms. Ruth Henderson, with Mr. William Duncan providing the accompaniment on a portable electric organ.

Bishop Marshall, who is a frequent broadcaster, lecturer and preacher in the US, Canada and England, is a past Bishop of Woolwich in England. He is presently Honorary Canon of the Diocese of Chichester, Honorary Assistant Bishop of London and is the founder and director of The Anglican Institute.

Besides his many church activities, Bishop Marshall has also found time to perform with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.

During his stay in Bermuda, Bishop Marshall will lead a morning-long workshop on evangelism on Saturday at the St. Paul's Christian Education Centre and will be the guest preacher at St. John's 7 p.m. Evensong service on Sunday.

Parking for this major event in the Anglican calendar will be available at St.

John's Church, the grassed area outside the Pembroke Sunday School, J.S.

Vallis on Woodlands Road, Bull's Head car park and Bernard Park.

The congregation is being asked to arrive by 9.30 a.m.

People are being asked to bring their own folding chairs and Father Ratteray is advising everyone to wear some sort of head covering -- and umbrellas that will provide shelter from the sun.

And in the event of bad weather? "Well, it would have to be moved to St.

John's, because Bishop Marshall is only available this weekend. But,'' he murmurs, casting his eyes heavenward, "we are all praying very hard. Very hard indeed.'' FORWARD MARCH -- Father Ewen Ratteray, Rector of St. John's Parish Church, Mrs. Pat Young, left, and Mrs. Jeanne Masters rally round the banner that will lead the Pembroke Parish contingent in Sunday's open-air Anglican service.

Mrs. Masters and Mrs. Young designed and made the banner.