It is hard to believe, but in just two short years, Bermuda will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the wreck of the Sea Venture on Bermuda's shores in July 1609. With it, comes the 400th anniversary of Christianity in Bermuda.

To celebrate, the Anglican Church in Bermuda is planning on a special week of services, led by guest speaker, the Archbishop of York, the Rt. Rev. John Sentamu in October, 2009.

However, in advance of that the church is working together to prepare themselves for such a great mission with a special Evensong service on Sunday, September 23 at St. Peter's Church in St. George.

"It's a kind of launch to put it on the map," explained Rev. Nicholas Dill, pastor at St. John's, Pembroke, who is helping to organize the event. "The mission won't really work unless everyone's behind it." The committee planning events for the Faith Venture 2009 celebration, as it is being called, will be commissioned at he service on September 23. The focus of their work over the next two years is two-fold, according to Rev. Dill.

"The first is reconciliation with God. The second is reconciliation with others," he explained.

"How can we reconcile with God when we're not one with each other? God is our Father and he has done a work between us and him and he wants us to be in unity with one another."

He referred to a passage in Ephesians chapter three: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 3:28).

A series of public discussions on real issues facing our Bermudian community are also set to take place as a part of the Faith Venture 2009 mission. Plans to discuss race relations and truth and reconciliation are in the making, looking at the effects of colonialism, slavery and racism on the church and society, but also the healing role that the church can have in bring closure for people on these issues.

In addition, Ruth Thomas has been commissioned to write a play, and British author and clergyman, James Lawrence, will conduct a Lenten training course on sharing your faith.

"We want Anglicans to be excited and especially excited about sharing their faith in this generation," Rev. Dill said.

"There is much to celebrate from the past and in the present, and we look to build the church for the future which truly represents all of God's people here in these Islands and, like the first Deliverance, brings hope to the world."

Faith Venture 2009 is set to coincide with the first communion service held on the Island in October, 1609.

"Records show that there was an Anglican priest on the ship and prayers of thanks were given. There's also evidence that the first communion took place in October, 1609."

The service on September 23 will begin with a procession from Ordinance Island at 3.45 p.m., led by the Town Crier and met by the North Village Community Band at the church.

"The procession will help remind us of the first settlers coming ashore and giving thanks to God for their deliverance," Rev. Dill explained.

The service will begin at 4 The service will begin at 4 p.m. at St. Peter's Church where Bishop Ratteray will launch the mission and commission the planning committee.

A statement from the Archbishop of York will be read and music will be provided by the St. John's Youth Choir and a youth orchestra. Rev. Dill will share the sermon.

All members of the community are invited to join the service, which is expected to be well attended. A commemorative token will be given to attendees.