Westbury-sub-Mendip - At Last! A big welcome to Paula, our new Vicar.

St Lawrence church was well filled on Saturday morning for the Celebration of a New Ministry and to welcome Paula Hollingsworth as Priest in Charge of Westbury-sub-Mendip with Easton and Priddy. The congregation, heralded by the bells of St Lawrence Church, included numerous local clergy, and was drawn from far and near; not only from our three parishes but also from Keynsham and Leicester diocese, and even Portugal.

The service, led by the Bishop of Taunton, laid particular stress on the need for members of the three parishes to be a part of Paula’s ministry and to take an active role in furthering the work of the church in our community. We should not be just followers of our new incumbent but actively join in her work amongst us. He painted a picture in his sermon of an inward looking, self-satisfied parish, a model which we were enjoined to do our utmost to avoid. This was emphasised in the service when the Rural Dean commissioned the leaders of the Church and the congregation for their ministry together

There was active participation in the service by many members of our community. The Church Wardens of course had a formal welcome to give, and they were joined by representatives of a variety of the organisations active in our parishes. Members of each congregation also had the specific task of presenting symbols of ministry; water, a bible, a Prayer Book, oil, and bread and wine, to our new Parish Priest. The choir added to the music of the service, not just in joining with and leading the very committed hymn singing but by singing an African song ‘Mayenziwe’ (Thy will be done on Earth, O Lord) as an anthem. This was particularly appropriate bearing in mind the time Paula has spent in Africa.

Following this most moving and enjoyable service the whole company trekked off to the Village Hall where we enjoyed a splendid refreshment as well as considerable fellowship.

The whole morning was a wonderful event and congratulations must be extended to the many people who made all this possible and worked together to provide a very special welcome to Paula. M.M. 24/7/2010

Armchair shopping at the Friendly Society Shop

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