The sun shone on Stoke Golding last Sunday afternoon (17 March) as Revd Emily Sharman was welcomed into St Margaret of Antioch’s Church during a joyful service of induction, and commitment to shared ministry in the rural benefice of the Fenn Lanes.
Revd Emily was surrounded by friends, family and colleagues from across the benefice and wider diocese, and installed as Team Rector by Bishop Saju, alongside The Venerable Claire Wood, Archdeacon of Loughborough.
During the service, Bishop Saju spoke on reconciliation and the cross of Christ being that ultimate place: ‘Mercy and truth meeting; justice and peace kissing one another.’ (Psalm 85:10).
Revd Emily said: “I had a sunny start at Stoke Golding, with a full church, bells ringing and plenty of cake. It was wonderful to be in receipt of so much welcome and joy, leaving me in a great position to begin ministry in this place.
“I am excited to be joining in with what God, and God’s people, are doing in the communities of the Fenn Lanes. My hope is that we can ensure that the churches will continue to serve these communities long into the future, with a renewed vision to grow in imaginative and engaging ways.”