Presiding Bishop

The  Rev. Dominic Stockford.

  Bishop Emeritus

The  Rev. Arthur Bentley Taylor

General Secretary

The Rev. Michael John Smithson

Ministers Conference

Early in February a good number  of the Connexional clergy and lay readers attended a Ministers conference at Christ Church Teddington. The programme started with a Video, ‘Why bother with expository preaching and bible teaching by David Jackman. After dinner in a French Restaurant discussion on the preaching methodology took place.

The next Day Michael John Smithson spoke on Pastoral Ministry as exemplified by Richard Baxter and afterwards a  lively discussion took place concerning Pastoral Ministry. The Clergy  conference takes place every year at this time. Sadly the time is short but it does give our Pastors and preachers opportunity to come together and encourage one another.

New Pastor for Fleetwood

On a dreary, foggy February afternoon we travelled to Fleetwood, where we were welcomed on the steps of St Paul’s with the warm smile and firm handshake of Virgil Tountas. It was a big day for Virgil as he was to be made a Deacon and licensed as Pastor of  St. Pauls. The Connexion was well represented by friends and clergy from the North, South and East, the local churches also supporting him. Michael John Smithson led the service. The Rev. Philip Gascoigne  , a minister who has been a frequent speaker at St. Pauls in their inter regnum, gave the charge to the congregation, reminding them of Paul’s words to the Ephesians urging them to “Speak the truth in love”.  

Our own Bishop Dominic Stockford delivered the charge to Virgil.

The bishop laid hands on Virgil, praying for him and presented him with a Bible, the Scriptures being at the heart of his ministry. The hymns, To God be the Glory, Amazing Grace, Be Thou my Vision and Jesus shall Reign

gave us all opportunity to affirm our faith and rejoice in the Lord.

A very happy time of fellowship followed over an excellent meal of Lancashire Hot Pot. Just the thing for a winter’s afternoon.

We do pray for Virgil, Louise and their lovely family that the Lord will bless them in Fleetwood and make them a blessing to the church and community.