Welcome, Amma Sue!

Post date: Mar 20, 2013 9:38:22 PM

The service for the Institution and Induction of Rev’d Dr Sue Williams took place on Tuesday 12 March at St Mary’s, Mellor. Bishop Cyril Ashton led the service, which marked both Amma Sue’s installation as our new Vicar and the foundation of the United Benefice of Balderstone, Mellor and Samlesbury.

A large congregation from all three churches, together with Amma Sue’s family, friends, members of the clergy, lay workers, civic dignitaries and representatives of our churches took part in and thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful occasion. Many people have commented on so many enjoyable aspects of the service, from the hymns and readings to the Bishop’s meaningful – and humorous! – sermon, the organ music and the singing of the combined choirs. Thanks must go to all, too many to mention individually, who contributed in any way to the occasion, but a special mention must go to the flower arrangers for the beautiful displays and the volunteers from all three churches who worked so hard in providing the splendid refreshments afterwards!

In short, this was an uplifting experience which created a genuine feeling of togetherness, warmth and hopeful feelings for the future.

We welcome both Amma Sue and Sister Judith as members of the Order of the Companions of Martha and Mary and offer our sincere thanks to Fr Roland for all that he and other visiting clergy have done for us during the interregnum.

In the words of the document signed by all the churchwardens:

”We commit ourselves to working together with our Vicar to build the United Benefice of Balderstone, Mellor and Samlesbury in order to reach out in love and generosity to our neighbours and our world; and to engender a spirit of Christian love and fellowship between the worshipping communities.”

We hope and pray that this may be so.

Welcome, Amma Sue!

Graham and Jim