Church and civic leaders celebrate new ministry

Church and civic leaders joined with the congregation of Norwich city centre church, St Stephen's, to celebrate with joy and enthusiasm the arrival of the new Priest-in-Charge, Rev Madeline Light, and the start of a new ministry.

Some 200 people attended as The Bishop of Norwich licensed her, and the new Archdeacon of Norwich, the Ven Jan McFarlane installed her in her new role, after an interregnum of 10 months.

The service provided an opportunity for Christian leaders from a wide spectrum of the Christian life of Norwich to welcome her - Father James Walsh, Dean of the Roman Catholic cathedral, Rev John Fenn, minister of Chapelfield Methodist church, and Rev Geoff Lawton of Norwich Vineyard spoke on behalf of the many other Christian leaders present.

 

Some were there having worked with Madeline in her previous ministry in Norwich, and others were there having already made links with St Stephen's church in its key location.

Another link being celebrated was with the Fountain of Life church - based in Ashill, but with a brief, under a Bishop's Mission Order, to be a missionary congregation in the Diocese. Sunday evening meetings had already been started at St Helen's church and more were planned at St Stephens, starting on May 24 at 6pm.

The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich welcomed Madeline on behalf of the civic authorities, and Sheridan Smith, from near neighbour the Chapelfield Centre,  welcomed her on behalf of the retail community. St Stephen's is the Fire Service church, and also the Veterans' church, and Chief Fire Officer Richard Elliott, and Brigadier Wulf Forsythe-Yorke welcomed her on their behalf. John Drake spoke for the caring agencies and charities with links in the parish, particularly the new YMCA Central.

St Stephen's Church warden Peter Carroll said: “The service was a moving and inspiring Christian celebration, and graphically demonstrated the many aspects of the minister's role, as she was welcomed by members of the congregation conducting her round the church, presenting her with a series of symbolic gifts.

”It was generally acclaimed as a great evening - and a great welcome for a new ministry in the heart of Norwich.