Thankyou to all those people who were able to come and support me and the church at last Saturday's Induction and Ordination.
No photo captures everything, but I particularly like the one above, which shows the laying on of hands for prayer and commissioning. It was important that this is a moment brought before God, asking for His power and His purposes, but it is also about the people involved in the process.
From the Baptist side of things, up front it includes all of Lamb's deacons Mo, Maureen, and Martin (Maureen is hard to spot but she is just behind me!), Robin, the church's moderator, Gale, our regional minister, Nic, from Cherry Hinton Baptist, my sending church, Catrin from Marleigh, a minister from my college group.
But the picture also includes wider support - Paul from the local Anglican congregations, other ministers assisting with music (Mark and Norman), Pete from Spurgeon's College in the front row and, why I prefer this photo to others just focusing on the front, the many people seated who have travelled over to support - the friends and family who were happy to share in this time together.
This list is not exhaustive, as it is just a single moment, so not every person is in the one shot - notably my wife, children and Father! There were many others that aren't seen but were involved in speaking, helping with setting up or food, and other ministers and leaders giving support from a range of other church's, but I like that this gives a flavour of togetherness.
Of course, more photos exist! Thankyou to those who took them and sent them over to me - I have put a range on Facebook if you haven't seen them:
The Service tried to think about how we got here, where we are now - what we are committing to do - and also where we would like to be.
In terms of future support, please do remember Lamb church in your prayers. There is a lot of work involved in trying to listen and walk with God as individuals and a congregation, making sense of His words to us and connecting others with Him.
If you have time / capacity to leave some digital support - comments, likes, reviews, photos etc. are welcomed on all the usual channels! This does help us to connect with more people locally, who can then see that we are alive as a group, and supporting each other.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:45 (NIV), and though this is very often most appropriately done quietly and without any fanfare - sometimes there are also more public expressions and celebrations of that love and practical support which unites and encourages Christians together.
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