Welcome Roger and Rachel

The Priory has a new Vicar!

Today, Revd Dr Roger Latham was inaugurated as Incumbent by the Right Revd Alan Winton and Inducted and Installed by The Venerable Mark Badger at the 10.30 service.

It was a day of ‘being church’ - God’s living church at the Priory, with everyone playing their part - from the ‘parking wardens’ ensuring that space was available for folk with mobility challenges, to the service wardens handing out the orders of service, as the choir practised… and the Bishop’s throne stood waiting…

the organist kept one eye on the conductor, two hands on the manuals, two feet on the pedals and the other eye on the music as the choir put the final touches to Rutter’s ‘This is the Day’; the Bishop’s Chaplain, Area Dean and Archdeacon discussed fine details with the Bishop, the Praise Group sat waiting to play and sing, and the trusty Priory urn, always part of Priory life, was filled by willing volunteers…

the refreshments area was prepared, ready for coffee after the service, and in St Anne’s Chapel, with light shining through the precious mediaeval glass, the clergy, ministers and those in training prepared. Lists were checked, vestments were expertly ‘sorted out’, Bishops greeted each other…

… with the churchwardens carrying their wands, the procession assembled, led by the crucifer and choir…and in a service packed with symbolism and glorious music - choir, organ, bellringers - and the nave filled by the congregation, Roger became the Vicar of the Priory. In his sermon, Archdeacon Mark encouraged everyone to use their God-given talents to serve God and grow together, and to carry on praying for Roger, and for Rachel as they settle into the parish.

And those talents were very evident, as immediately after the service, the nave was laid for a celebration bring and share lunch by an army of efficient helpers, supporting the custos team. Meanwhile the blue-aproned catering team cheerfully laid out the spread, Roger said grace, and lunch was served to the congregation, with drinks delivered to the tables by student volunteers.
The Priory hummed with conversation and happiness and as the last morsels of the delicious puddings were enjoyed, Churchwarden David officially welcomed Roger and Rachel, giving them a ‘parishwarming’ gift.

Welcome to the Priory, Roger and Rachel. May God bless your ministry here.