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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.
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