It was a celebration of new beginnings as church communities came together to support the Revd Paul Betts, who was welcomed into his new role as the Rector of the Benefice of Bosworth.
The service, which was held in St Peter’s Church, Market Bosworth on Sunday 1 June, confirmed Paul’s commitment to ministry across the rural parishes of Carlton, Market Bosworth, Cadeby with Sutton Cheney and Congerstone, Nailstone and Shackerstone.
Friends, family, diocesan colleagues and members of his former congregations in Wigston, joined Paul as he was licensed into his new Benefice by Bishop Saju.
The well-attended welcome service was a particularly moving occasion for Paul.
“The liturgy was beautifully put together to hold God’s presence throughout, and it felt like a complete blessing. The choir delivered beautifully, too,” he said.
“This new beginning in some ways feels like a new calling, and so, receiving the signs of ministry from my new ministry team colleagues felt reassuring. And Bishop Saju was on fire and gave such an inspiring and powerful sermon, which in sum spoke of our calling to live as those who are sent. In John’s Gospel, Jesus defines himself by this very word - sent by the Father. And then he turns to us: As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
Talking about the role, Paul said he felt “blessed and excited” to be starting anew.
“I’m looking forward to learning more about the Benefice and its people, discovering and celebrating the very rich traditions inherent within rural life and ministry and being part of a community shaped by God, environment, and seasons,” he said.
“Recognising the deep wells from which rural churches can draw upon from within their midst, and informed by a narrative of abundance and the generosity of God, my hope is that the Benefice, its churches and people, shape a distinctive way in which the Christian faith is expressed and lived, actively committed to the flourishing of the community.”
He added: “By establishing deeper roots and reaching wider horizons, my hope is that the Benefice thrives as a beautiful expression of the kingdom of God, whilst learning how to adapt to the fast pace of change throughout community and society within rural contexts. So, it’s about presence and witness, being incarnational and sustainable. We don’t know what the future holds, there will be challenges ahead, but we meet them trusting in the One who calls us to follow him, because the One who calls is faithful.”
Bottom photo by Geoff Blackburn