The year is ending with a new beginning for the worshipping communities in the Wigston Benefice, as they welcome the Revd David Cowie as their new Rector.
A service of induction and collation, with commitment to shared ministry, was held at All Saint’s Church earlier this month (8 December), to receive David into his new role.
Friends, family, diocesan colleagues, members of the local community and members of his former congregations joined David in celebration as he was licensed into the Benefice by Bishop Martyn.
Prayers were said for David, for the local parish churches and their PCCs.
Speaking after the service, David said: “I think the warm and generous welcome I received is what’s really stayed with me. Folk were so willing to meet and greet not just me but my nearest and dearest, and they put on a real feast afterwards.”
A celebration and blessing, David said it was good to see colleagues old and new, and to have a range of family and friends present, including those from the wider diocesan family as well as those with no faith. “I was particularly touched that some folk from my previous parishes had driven across the diocese to be there,” he added.
“It was a real highlight to hear the church filled with music, and to find out from people afterwards how meaningful the service was to them. Even those with no faith could see something important was happening as I was led by the hand around the building and placed in my stall.”
Talking about what the role in Wigston means to him, David said: “For me, being the parish priest is always about cherishing the communities I’ve been called to serve. This means getting to know folk and understanding the stories of who they are, and journeying alongside them on this next part of their journey. It means growing together as we hear the stories of Jesus, learning together about what it means to follow Jesus, and growing deeper in our faith as we love one another as he has loved us.”
Reflecting on his hopes for the benefice and community going forward, he added: “I’m hoping that I can journey with the church communities deeper into the mystery of God, as we meet Jesus through Word and Sacrament, and that I can be a faithful priest for the people in the pews as well as the people beyond the church walls.
“I’m hoping that I can get involved with schools in the area, and seeing how I can share faith with our children, our young folk, and the staff of the schools.
“And I’m hoping that the benefice can continue to meet the local community where it’s at, finding even the littlest of moments of kindness and love that speak of Jesus and which invite others to experience the story of Jesus that’s unfolding through our lives.”
