Sunday 17th December, Third Sunday in Advent
This morning we welcomed our newly appointed Priest-in-Charge, Father Gareth Ingham, to Ss. Simon & Jude Church Cockshutt, where he led our Service of Worship and celebrated the Holy Eucharist. It was a true delight being greeted by him as we entered the Church and briefly introduced ourselves to each other.
As the Service began, a calm atmosphere descended upon us all and his soothing tone led us quietly through the liturgy. Fr. Gareth’s sermon was based on today’s Gospel reading, John 1: 6-8, 19-20, where we learn about John the Baptist and his role in paving the way for our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Service concluded with the glorious Advent hymn, “Lo, he comes with clouds descending”.
Afterwards, The Church Wardens, Cathy Thorold and John Dickin, presented Fr. Gareth with a framed montage of photographs of the four churches, taken by local amateur photographer, John Cooling, as a welcome to our Church and the Benefice. Later, in chatting to Fr. Gareth over a welcome cup of tea, he told us, that during the course of his ministry, he simply wants people to leave his services “feeling healed”. Amen, to that!
VJC
Click on the link if you would like to listen to or join in with “Lo, he comes with clouds descending”.
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Feature Image: Father Gareth Ingham, fully robed in Purple clerical vestment for Advent, receiving his gift from Cockshutt Church, ©Meres & Meadows Messenger
How lovely, I’ve also got a copy of the picture – a retirement gift from John Cooling. I pray that Gareth’s ministry amongst you will be fruitful and that he will grow to love each of you as I did. xxx