Over the border to Highworth

On Saturday afternoon I popped just over the Wiltshire border to Highworth, for the service of welcome for the Rev. Ian Mead at the Methodist Chapel. We were blessed with some much-needed rain—and faced the challenge of a very small car park!

So why was I there? Because Ian’s new responsibilities include Shrivenham, which is of course very firmly in Oxfordshire.

Ian is a rare combination: both a Methodist minister and a Benedictine monk. He began his ministry back in 2002, and today lives at Mucknell Abbey in Worcestershire while also serving in the Methodist Circuit. From 1 September his new appointment will give him two days each week with the congregations at Highworth and Shrivenham.

The service itself was a joy—full of hope, warmth and good humour, with representatives of the Methodist Circuit and other denominations gathered in welcome.

It was a privilege to be part of such a happy occasion, and to witness the beginning of Ian’s ministry here in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.