It was a damp and drizzly Monday evening but it turned into something else entirely when we were inside St James’s with welcoming peals of bells, warmth, bright lights and candles for a service to Celebrate the Ministry of Rev Andrew Hiscox and install him as Vicar of Winscombe and Sandford.
Andrew had been our Curate for four years and then installed via Zoom as Priest in Charge but it was wonderful to have a large congregation in Church, including a good number of our friends from St John’s, Churchill, to welcome him as our Vicar.
Archdeacon Adrian Youings conducted the service along with Rev Tom Yacomeni, Locking Area Dean. Andrew confirmed his willingness to serve through the legal requirements and then committed himself to ministering to the Parishes.
The Archdeacon, in his sermon, encouraged Andrew to “be bold’, “trust God” and “dream big dreams”! This isn’t just Andrew’s role but a call to all of us to step up and be part of ‘the Vision’ for our communities. We all prayed with Andrew
We pledge ourselves to pray and care for the communities in this place; to share the Word of God, to celebrate the sacraments of the new covenant, to encourage discipleship. Together, may we make this a place where we are empowered for witness in God’s world. Amen.
Before the blessing gifts were presented to Corinna, Owyn and Carys, as well as Diggory, their dog, in recognition of the love and support they give Andrew.
The music from the choir and organist and the Sandford W.I. Handbell Ringers all added to the sense of occasion. Afterwards we enjoyed delicious food and wine and went home looking forward to the future and to discovering where God will take us on the next part of our journey.
