Hundreds came together from across the Diocese of Bath and Wells for a Chrism Eucharist at Wells Cathedral on Tuesday, 12 April, to 'affirm the ministry of all God’s people: bishops, clergy, deacons, Readers and those in the wonderful variety of other lay ministries we have across the diocese; and the whole people of God.'
In her sermon Bishop Ruth thanked those present for: their personal encouragements; sharing their stories; sharing their pain; navigating their way through uncharted waters and for their faithful endurance. She said, "This Easter I want to encourage us to re-set. To rediscover our purpose as Christians, called to worship God, to be Christ-centred and Jesus-shaped. Where possible we shall be throwing our doors open this Easter day as we have today. We shall still need to take heed, to have an eye to the vulnerable, to ensure we include all whether present physically or not. But let us ensure we speak out the message of hope that Christ offers us all. One of love, forgiveness, mercy, welcome, grace."
There are more pictures of the service on our Facebook page. You don't need to belong to Facebook to see the photographs.
Download Bishop Ruth's sermon.