More than 500 clergy, lay leaders and people from across the diocese attended the Chrism Eucharist and had to opportunity to say farewell to Bishop Ruth, who was attending her last service as Bishop of Taunton.
In her sermon Bishop Ruth thanked the people of the diocese for their love and support throughout her time in Somerset, she said, “Sisters and brothers, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for being my friends, for all that you've given and have been for me during a very challenging time, and in fact all through these past ten years almost, thank you. You have been God's gift to me.”
She also her thanked her husband Howard and her family for their love and support, “I want to say huge thank you to you, Howard, and to all my family for all they sacrificed, in both following their call of God on their lives, as well as supporting me and mine.”
Bishop Ruth told those gathered that she had initially resisted God’s call to come to Somerset. She said it had been some time before she realised what God’s plan for her was. And she reflected in the timing of her call to Liverpool. “God's timing, His calling, doesn't always accord with ours, does it? Sometimes we just have to trust that we will discover its purpose as we journey with him.” She went on to say, “He has never left my side, he never will. May my hands continued to bless, my voice continued to proclaim, my heart continued to burn with love for the one who gave me everything, so that I might give myself in return.”
You can watch Bishop Ruth’s sermon in full in the video below.
The Chrism Service Wells Cathedral for the Chrism Service is a time to affirm the ministry of all God's people: bishops, clergy, deacons, readers, and all those in lay ministries across the diocese; and the whole people of God.
During the service, Bishop Michael and Bishop Ruth blessed the oils that are used throughout ministry across the parishes. There is the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens, used for those preparing for and committing to Baptism, and the Oil of Chrism, an oil of anointing of the Holy Spirit. This is a particularly special oil, from which the service takes its name, and everyone gathered was invited to receive an anointing with it as a sign of God’s abundant grace.
At the end of the service, Bishop Michael gave thanks for Bishop Ruth’s ministry, he said, “There is a story told of three celtic saints arriving at the court of King Alfred in this, the former Kingdom of Wessex. The saints had drifted here across the sea from Ireland in their coracle – a boat made of hides and laths, with few provisions and without oars. When asked to explain their arrival the saints said this ‘We stole away because we wanted for the love of God to be on pilgrimage, we cared not where.’
“Ruth and Howard, we are so glad that for a time, your coracle has landed here in this part of the former Kingdom of Wessex, our Diocese of Bath and Wells. You have carried to us the love of God, experienced in the love you have shown for the people of this place, in your passion for God’s justice and mercy, in your kindness and in all that you have given to so many during your time here.
And he reflected on the timing of her move to Liverpool. “We looked forward very much to your return. It’s not strictly a saying of the Celtic saints, but when we think about you the phrase ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans’ does seem to come to mind.
For now you are answering that wild, persistent, compelling, trust demanding call of God once again. With first mate Howard you are again about to step into your coracle and make your way to Liverpool. You don’t steal away. You go with our love. For we know that what calls you and summons you on to the next stage of your journey and adventures is the love of God which beckons you on to pilgrimage. Once again, your care is not for yourself, but for the people and communities that you will serve.”
You can watch Bishop Michael’s words of gratitude and blessing on Bishop Ruth's departure in the video below. You can also download them from the bottom of the page.
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Bishop Michael’s words of gratitude and blessing on Bishop Ruth's departure