Please find a link here to our May 2024 magazine, which is available in hard copy in both of our churches:
Inside this edition there is a look back on Experience Easter, updates from our various groups and a piece on the Kingdom Season. This runs from Ascension through to Pentecost.
There’s also a diary of upcoming events and a reflection on Harvie’s licensing….
Celebration of a new ministry
“In Christ alone my hope is found, . . . . Here in the love of Christ I stand”
Wednesday, 17 April marked an important point in the life of this Benefice, when the Reverend Harvie Nicol was licensed as Incumbent. Members of both congregations were joined by those from Harvie’s previous parishes as he was presented by the Revd Julian Heaton as patron and introduced by the Venerable Rachel Mann, Archdeacon, to Matthew Porter, Bishop of Bolton. The Oaths were made and the Bishop led us in prayer – for Harvie, all who minister here, and “for all your faithful people that in their vocation and ministry each may be an instrument of your love”.
Margery Spencer read from Acts 8 and Sally Nicol from John 6 between which we sang ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ name’: “We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all”.
The key points of Bishop Matthew’s sermon were ‘scattering’, ‘speaking’ and ‘surprise’. The responsibility of sharing Christ’s story belongs to each one of us and that we should bring that good news to others with joy.
Dedicate afresh
Bishop Matthew asked the Archdeacon to admit Harvie, the Wardens handed him the keys and Archdeacon Rachel placed him in his stall.
The churchwardens, parish representatives, Readers and all those from the church family who have led services during the vacancy joined Harvie for Bishop Matthew’s Commissioning . . . “So I ask you, priest and people together, do you dedicate yourselves afresh to God in the service of the Gospel?” and Blessing. Harvie led prayers for the first time in this place before we joined in singing “Just as I am”.
“Just as I am – Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because Thy promise I believe –
O Lamb of God, I come.”
Greetings from the community were led by the Revd Donna Williams, our Area Dean, and included greetings from the Mayor, the heads of both St John with St Mark’s School and Springside School, the Revd David Somerville of Seedfield Methodist Church, Captain Cor Van der Woude of the Salvation Army and Sarfraz Malik representing the Muslim Christian Forum.
Being the Church of England there were of course some notices! The Bishop gave the blessing and the service concluded with the rousing hymn “Guide me, O thou great redeemer”: “Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to thee.”
We look forward to sharing with Harvie and Sally the next stage of our journey in this United Benefice – and thank you to everyone who provided refreshments and helped to welcome our visitors on this evening.