Induction of new Vicars

Following the retirement of our previous Vicar, the Rev Dr Brian Harding, leadership of the LCC Parish of St Alban has passed to the Rev Michael Preston as Vicar and the Rev Geoffrey Dargie as Associate Vicar.  Frs Michael and Geoffrey were inducted during the Holy Eucharist on Advent Sunday, 27 November, 2011, by the Regionary Bishop for Australasia, the Rt Rev Graham Preston.

Introducing the ceremony, Bishop Graham said it “provided an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the gift of Christian leadership, to affirm that gift” in the new appointees … and “pray together that they may be richly blessed by God for the good of all his people.”

Introducing a personal note, the Bishop added “It is fitting that Frs Michael and Geoff should work in tandem as they were ordained together 30 years ago.”  Furthermore, “It is appropriate that the chosen day is the beginning of the Church Calendar” – the Church’s “new year”, Advent Sunday.

Parish Secretary, Mr Geoffrey Harrod, gave the reading from 1 Thessalonians and Peoples’ Warden Ms Carolyn Harrod gave the sermon.

The service was followed by tea/coffee and refreshments during which all were able to offer their personal congratulations to Frs Michael and Geoff.