Welcome Aboard John & Sandra!

Monday 10th May saw the long awaited collation and induction of John Harper as the new incumbent (Rector and Vicar) of St Mary's Meppershall and St Michael and All Angels churches in Shefford.

Over 250 people packed into St Michael's to formally welcome John, and his wife Sandra to our Benefice.

In addition to our own parishioners and a whole host of clergy and readers we were delighted to welcome many others from near and far to join us in our celebration including:

• Friends and parishioners from John's former parish of Horton and Wraysbury
• Representatives of our sister church, St Mary's in Meppershal
• Representatives of Shefford's Baptist, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches
• Head Teachers from Meppershall's Lower School and the Samuel Whitbread Upper School
• Children from Meppershall and Shefford Lower Schools
• Representatives from Shefford's Town and Parish Councils

During the service, lead by the Right Reverend Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford, the congregation were invited to renew their commitment to the loving service of God, of one another and of their fellow men and women.

Symbolic gifts of water, bread and wine were presented, and a moving peformance of "Lord of the Dance" was given by the children of Meppershall and Shefford Lower Schools.

Having witnessed the relaxed and confident way that John and Sandra spoke with people after the service, we are confident that they already feel very much at home.

We look forward to working with them in bringing the good news of Christ's salvation to the wider communities of Meppershall and Shefford...

Welcome aboard John & Sandra!

Date 10th May 2004

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