As part of his ongoing Benefice Visits, Bishop Michael spent time with the ministry team at St John the Baptist Church, Midsomer Norton. He joined the congregation for the Sunday Parish Eucharist, where he both celebrated and preached. Following the service, there was an opportunity for fellowship over refreshments, allowing Bishop Michael to engage with members of the church community.
During his visit, Bishop Michael also met the recently licensed Associate Priest, Revd Oshioma Innocent Ogbidikhe, who joined the ministry team last month. Reflecting on the day, Associate Priest Fr Philip said, “It was a wonderful occasion and made for a special time for everyone.”
The following Tuesday, Bishop Michael continued his visit by spending time in the wider parish. At St John the Baptist Church of England Primary School, he met with the Ethos Group, a team of pupils who help lead the school’s collective worship and prepare the parish intercessions for the monthly Family Eucharist.
He then joined the school for collective worship, where he learned about its 300-year history. The school choir performed for the bishop, and he had the honour of blessing a specially commissioned stained-glass window, installed in 2021 to mark the school’s tercentenary.
Later in the day, Bishop Michael visited Combe Lea Residential Care Home, where he took part in the monthly service and singalong with residents and staff. He returned to the church in the evening to meet with the churchwardens, members of the PCC, and share supper with them.
Before concluding his visit, Bishop Michael led a Bible study group at St John’s, offering reflections and discussion with members of the congregation.
The visit is part of a wider diocesan initiative in which bishops and archdeacons will visit every benefice across the diocese between January 2025 and the end of 2026. Each two-day visit is designed to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding of local mission and ministry.