On Saturday 15 August, Mike Edwards was licensed as Curate in Charge (to be Priest in Charge) of All Saints in Evesham with St Andrew, Hampton by Bishop Hugh.
Around 150 people gathered for the service, including members of both congregations and representatives from across the local community. Among those in attendance were the churchwardens of both Hampton and Eveshama as well as representatives from the deanery, Churches Together in Evesham, St Egwin’s and St Andrew's CE Primary Schools, Evesham Scouts, Girlguiding Evesham, other local churches and the Mayor of Evesham.
Bishop Hugh preached on the theme of ‘on earth as it is in heaven’, encouraging those gathered to consider what it means to live as people of God’s Kingdom.
Reflecting on the service, Mike said:
"It felt like a really significant service. Bishop Hugh led it with real heart and tenderness, which was a gift and a witness to many of our non-Anglican friends, family and colleagues. It was also nice to have Glenn co-ordinate things in his first month as our new Area Dean. And Archdeacon Mark, who has done so much in the town to make the process of the new Benefice happen, was really warmly received. I particularly valued having reps from the PCC and School in Bengeworth lead me from the vestry to the back of church, as an act of ‘handing over’ from my curacy parish in the same town.
As I signalled in the service, I am looking forward particularly to three things in this role. The first is engaging with our new regular pattern of daily prayer. The second is working for unity across our two parishes as well as across the town with other leaders and churches. And third is our work with children, families and young people - especially the opportunities to go into schools, which is my favourite part of my role.
This is not just my first incumbency, but also my first role in a town centre church with civic responsiblities; it was a real pleasure to be welcomed by so many community and civic groups, and I’m excited about developing those relationships too.
When Bishop Hugh handed me the license, and asked me to share with him in the Cure of Souls, I felt that responsibility almost as a physical weight. But as the service continued I felt that burden slowly lift, as it became clear this mission and ministry to and with our town is shared by so many of God’s people in our churches - who I simply want to encourage and release into that service.
We felt particularly welcomed as a family, which has been a great gift to us. My vocation, alongside Hannah’s full time work and Oliver and Lois being 5 & 3 respectively, can be a real stretch for us. To have Bishop Hugh, the Wardens and others explicitly thank and welcome Hannah and the children was really meaningful."
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