The Institution, Licensing, Induction and Installation of Revd Rachel Wakefield promises to be a memorable occasion, and not just for its impressive or rambling (depending on your point of view) title!

On Monday 4th September at 7.30pm, Rachel will be formally welcomed to Redbourn as Vicar, in a service which has ancient roots and much symbolism. Come and witness the moment when Rachel will be presented with the church keys, when she tolls the church bell, when she will be presented with a bible, bread and wine.

This is an occasion for the whole community to come together and usher in a new beginning for our church and parish.

Leaders from the local community will also be taking part, and there will be plenty of opportunity for all to join in, whether singing, praying, or simply by our presence giving Rachel a warm Redbourn welcome.

The church may be packed full, with people from both Redbourn and further afield, so please plan to arrive early, by 7.15pm at the latest. We aim to get everyone in somehow!

On Sunday 10th September we mark the annual Patronal Festival (St Mary’s ‘birthday celebration’, if you like), with a single service at 11.00am. It will also be Revd Rachel Wakefield’s first Sunday as vicar, and we would like as many people as possible to join in this very special double celebration.

Following the service there will be a bring-and-share lunch at 12.30pm. The lunch will feature a drinks stall, selling beer, wine, and soft drinks. We’re looking for help to run this stall – the proceeds of which will go to the Friends of St Mary’s, a conservation charity that looks after the building and grounds of the church.

Why not come along and bring your family to the celebration service or the lunch? Can you help to run the drinks stall?

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come along, as you are to all other days, services and events at St Mary’s.