Category Archives: News
St Mary’s welcomes the Prayers for Love and Faith and joins the Inclusive Church network
St Mary’s Church, Redbourn is overjoyed to welcome the Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples and to become a part of the Inclusive Church Network. This means that we are committed to creating a space and community which welcomes everyone and seeks equality for all.
This is the Inclusive Church statement which our PCC unanimously voted to be a part of:
“We believe in inclusive church – a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate.
We will continue to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.
We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.”
This is a journey, and you may think we have some way to go in demonstrating our inclusivity, so if you have ideas or would like to help us in this, please get in touch.
The PCC also unanimously endorsed the use of the newly commended Prayers for Love and Faith and warmly welcomes same sex-couples to come and celebrate their relationships with prayers for God’s blessing. If you’d like to find out more, please contact Reverend Rachel by email.
Revd Rachel Wakefield’s Service of Institution, and Induction: Watch Online
A huge thank you to everyone who made my service of Institution, Licensing, Induction and Installation such a beautiful and joyous occasion. It was wonderful to see so many new and familiar faces come and support me, and St Mary’s Church as we begin this new chapter together.
If you couldn’t be there and want to see what happens you can watch the film here. It is a service with great tradition and sees me receiving the huge key to the church, ringing the bell, and eventually, after being placed in my stall by Archdeacon Charles, giving the notices.
It also features members of the Redbourn Community who welcomed me on behalf of various groups from around the village, and the presentation of water (for the font), a bible (taken to the lectern) and bread and wine (processed to the communion table).
There was great singing and music, prayers, and a wonderful address from Bishop Jane.
Intrigued? Take a look…. Oh, and do say hello if you see me.
Rachel
