Rev Nathanael Poole has been licensed as the new Priest-in-Charge at St John's Church in Farsley in a special service conducted by the Bishop of Kirkstall, the Rt Rev Arun Arora.
It is always a significant occasion for a Parish to welcome a new vicar as we look forward to the start of Nathanael's new ministry with us here in church and his service in the wider community which we know he is looking forward to.
During the service on Wednesday evening Nathanael declared his faith in Christ and make promises of allegiance to the King and obedience to the Bishop. Almost 150 people in the congregation then joined with him in promising to uphold the ministry of word and sacrament.
The official paperwork marking the start of Nathanael's ministry in Farsley was signed and presented to him and there was time for thanksgiving and celebration with lively music.
It was also particularly nice for us all here in Farsley to hear from representatives of the parishes in Bradford where Nathanael has worked most recently as they paid glowing commendations to him. It was clear from those speeches from St Margaret's Church in Frizinghall, Fountains Church in Bradford and also from Bradford Cathedral just how much they will miss him.
In the coming weeks and months we are looking forward to getting to know Nathanael and his family and we also know he is looking forward to meeting people all over the Parish. We pray that his ministry will be a real blessing to us all.