It was a weekend of joy and celebration as 10 priests and 12 deacons were ordained at Wells Cathedral, surrounded by family, friends, members of their church community and all the people who have supported them on their journey. This marks a significant milestone in the ministries of those called to serve communities across the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Bishop Michael presided over each service. Speaking on Saturday after The Ordination of Priests, he said, “The place is fizzing with joy as the Holy Spirit has broken out amongst us as we see these people commit themselves to the life and work and ministry of God’s church.”
The Revd Canon Dr Tess Kuin Lawton, Canon Missioner at Winchester Cathedral, delivered the sermon in which she offered words of encouragement and inspiration to those being ordained.
Those ordained to the priesthood
Revd Farhad Chermahini - Benifice of Yeovil Holy Trinity with Barwick
Revd Lucy Davies - Benefice of Milton and Mead Vale
Revd James Hall - Diocese of Hong Kong
Revd Dean Hallett - Galmington
Revd Jane Hoe - United Benefice of Batheaston with St Catherine and Bathford
Revd Julie Kimber - Benefice of Beercrocombe w Curry Mallet, Hatch Beauchamp, Orchard Portman, Staple Fitzpaine, Stoke St Mary w Thurlbear and West Hatch (Seven Sowers)
Revd Julie Pelling - Benefice of Bridgwater St Mary and Chilton Trinity
Revd Sarah Rowden - Milverton with Halse, Fitzhead and Ash Priors
Revd Jolyon Stonehouse - Benefice of Alham Vale
Revd Samuel Thompson - Benefice of Frome Holy Trinity
You can find more photos of the day on the Bath and Wells Facebook page.
On Sunday, 12 Deacons were ordained. The sermon was given by The Revd Dr Ed Moll, Senior Minister at St George’s Church, Wembdon.
In his message to those attending the service Bishop Michael said, “This service is such an important moment for those being ordained Deacon…….. Our ordinands have come here today in response to a call that they have heard from God. Please pray for them, and yourself, as you are challenged to consider what gifts and opportunities he has given you, and how you will use them to build his kingdom.”
Those ordained Deacon:
Rosanna Blewett - Paulton with Farrington Gurney and High Littleton
Kevin Coaker - Clevedon St John and the Benefice of Weston super Mare All Saints with St Saviour
Carmen Cromwell - Wilton
Michael Dyne - East Clevedon with Clapton in Gordano, Walton Clevedon, Walton in Gordano and Weston in Gordano
Lindsay Glazebrook - "Timsbury with Priston,Camerton, Dunkerton and Englishcombe
John Hanson - Preston Plucknett
Lorna Hasell - Alfred Jewel
Rachel Howlett - The Saint J's Group with Wellow
Susannah Padiachy - Bath St Saviour with Swainswick and Woolley
Anne Perez - Two Shires
David Phillips - Farmborough and Marksbury and Stanton Prior and in addition Clutton with Cameley and Temple-Cloud to be known as the Benefice of Clutton with Cameley and Temple-Cloud, Farmborough, Marksbury, and Stanton Prior
Caryl Plewes - Taunton St Mary Magdalene & St John the Evangelist.
More photos of the Ordination of Deacons can be found on the Bath and Wells Facebook page.
Please continue to hold all those ordained in your prayers as they begin this next chapter of their ministry.