'Working at the Church of Glastonbury is my religious retreat'
Mr Simonds, who has trained for three years, said once he is ordained he will become a curate and work alongside the vicar at St Frideswide's Church for about four years."It's a very exciting and happy time," he said. He has been at Worthy Farm, Somerset since Tuesday, to set up the temporary church, and will return home on Monday."It is open to anyone, with prayers in the morning, middle of the day and evening," he said. "On Sunday we have a couple of communion services happening, with pre-arranged baptisms and wedding vow blessings."The reason I came here was for a chance to be with real people, in a real place, in their real lives."It's a very gentle expression of church, where people can come and rest from the shade, rain, talk to someone, if they want."
He said that as well as giving spiritual guidance, the team will hand out "thousands of cups of water" and lend a hand to festival-goers."Even building tents, that is a moment when I feel close to God," he said."The world is diverse, the festival is diverse and the church is part of that diverse world, it mirrors in the microcosm of Glastonbury."He is also looking forward to catching some of the acts, including Alanis Morissette on Friday."For me Glastonbury is a retreat, I feel close to God, and I feel censored and ready for life", he said.
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