An appraisal of the Induction Service by one of our Senior Members of the Church
On Monday 8th January at Pagham United Reformed Church (St Ninian’s) we had a unique service to welcome the Reverend Dr Janet Hopewell to a new role as Southern Synod Chaplain and Advocate for the Elderly and an Associate Minister at our Church.
The presiding minister was the Reverend Nicola Furley-Smith who is Moderator of the Southern Synod. (a moderator in the United Reformed Church is equivalent to a Bishop in the Anglican Church). Other people taking part in the service were The Reverend Kenneth Lynch, the Reverend Ros Stocks Chaplain at Methodist Homes, the Reverend Bruce Allinson Minister at Pagham United Reformed Church, Penny Thomas Church Secretary, Molly Hanwell a member of our congregation and the Reverend Pamela Baker Chaplain to Methodist Homes.
Janet Hopewell affirmed her faith to the congregation, promising to fulfil the duties of this new appointment, to administer the sacraments, exercise pastoral care and oversight and give leadership to the Church in its mission to the world. As the Reverend Kenneth Lynch said we have a great many elderly people in the area, living alone or in care homes, all in need of our love and care. The Reverend Pamela Baker who preached the sermon had worked with Janet Hopewell and knew how ideal she was for this appointment.
Listening to Bible readings and singing favourite hymns, we as a congregation promised to support Janet Hopewell in her work. The service ended with a declaration of induction and the right hand of fellowship with other dignitaries including the Mayor of Bognor Regis welcoming Janet. Our Minister gave the final prayers of intercession and thanksgiving with a benediction from our new Associate Minister, Reverend Janet Hopewell.
A table loaded with refreshments was served for people from as far away as Rustington who came for this new full-time appointment for the elderly, some suffering from dementia, who need all the help we can give them. A very happy and worthwhile new venture.
As a retired teacher of 88 years and a resident of Bognor Regis for nearly 50 years I am delighted to welcome Janet. I may need her help any time in the near future!
Beryl English
The presiding minister was the Reverend Nicola Furley-Smith who is Moderator of the Southern Synod. (a moderator in the United Reformed Church is equivalent to a Bishop in the Anglican Church). Other people taking part in the service were The Reverend Kenneth Lynch, the Reverend Ros Stocks Chaplain at Methodist Homes, the Reverend Bruce Allinson Minister at Pagham United Reformed Church, Penny Thomas Church Secretary, Molly Hanwell a member of our congregation and the Reverend Pamela Baker Chaplain to Methodist Homes.
Janet Hopewell affirmed her faith to the congregation, promising to fulfil the duties of this new appointment, to administer the sacraments, exercise pastoral care and oversight and give leadership to the Church in its mission to the world. As the Reverend Kenneth Lynch said we have a great many elderly people in the area, living alone or in care homes, all in need of our love and care. The Reverend Pamela Baker who preached the sermon had worked with Janet Hopewell and knew how ideal she was for this appointment.
Listening to Bible readings and singing favourite hymns, we as a congregation promised to support Janet Hopewell in her work. The service ended with a declaration of induction and the right hand of fellowship with other dignitaries including the Mayor of Bognor Regis welcoming Janet. Our Minister gave the final prayers of intercession and thanksgiving with a benediction from our new Associate Minister, Reverend Janet Hopewell.
A table loaded with refreshments was served for people from as far away as Rustington who came for this new full-time appointment for the elderly, some suffering from dementia, who need all the help we can give them. A very happy and worthwhile new venture.
As a retired teacher of 88 years and a resident of Bognor Regis for nearly 50 years I am delighted to welcome Janet. I may need her help any time in the near future!
Beryl English