A new beginning

The big day arrived. This is what the move was about. Today I was Instituted and Inducted as Vicar of this church. After the long goodbye it was time to say "hello".

A morning of preparations followed by lunch at home with a few family and friends. It was a lovely gathering. Then on to the service at 3pm. The church was packed, probably about 400 people - congregation members from my previous parish, friends from all over, local dignatories and, of course, congregation members from the new parish. I don't think I've ever shaken so many hands in one afternoon! It was a wonderful service, formal but relaxed. Followed by refreshments afterwards.

My mother, aunt and my friend from Alnwick are staying the night. Tomorrow afternoon it is back to work!