Elvis impersonators and new beginnings

Jonny Gordon, erstwhile Curate at the Priory, woke up this morning as a new person. A Rector. To be precise Rector to the Benefice of Newbold de Verdun, Barlestone, Kirkby Mallory and Peckleton in the Diocese of Leicester.

The congregation at his Licensing, by the Bishop of Loughborough, Rt Revd. Saju Muthalaly was swelled by 30 supporters from the Priory. Leaving Malvern by coach, as the sun set behind the Hills, with a silver crescent moon and Venus in the sky above, the group was warmly welcomed at St James’ Newbold Verdon.

’When Elvis died in 1977, there were 170 Elvis impersonators’ Bishop Saju told the rather surprised congregation. ‘Now there are around 400,000. At this rate in a few years time a third of the world’s population will be Elvis impersonators’. Laughter. But there was a serious message - there’s Good News to be shared and it’s everyones’ responsibility to share it and grow God’s church.

Jonny’s licensing is the start of new beginnings. Those who will share ministry with him and the Ministry Team shared signs of ministry with him - the Chalice and Paten, a Bible, a Prayer Book, Oil of Healing and a waiter’s cloth and coffee cup.

A delicious reception was laid on at the church hall, where both welcomes and ‘au revoirs’ were said.

With the Bishop of Loughborough and all present at his Licensing we keep Jonny and his family in our prayers as he takes his next step in ministry.