Licensing Service
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The Bishop of Ripon's Sermon
Becoming a bishop in Aotearoa New Zealand is very different to becoming a bishop in England. While the essence of the role, and the liturgy of ordination is very similar if not identical, one thing I recall quite clearly from the service itself was the amount of stuff I was given, all of which I had to wear or carry:
Along with the expected kit of episcopal choir dress: cassock and rochet (do enter any terms in a search engine later if you aren’t sure – such words are often handy in scrabble competitions), I was given 2 pectoral crosses, 2 pastoral staffs, 2 copes, 1 stole and 1 mitre (thankfully). It was the height of the New Zealand Summer, and very humid. The long and short of it is that by the end of the 3-hour service I was really in no state to be contemplating the role to which I had just been ordained.
To me that all seems rather at odds with the sentiment expressed in our reading for this evening. In this chapter of the letter to the Christian community at Colossae, the author lays out to his flock what it means to live a life in Christ. And here in these particular verses we are presented with the imagery of what clothing will be needed: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. I think this verse alone ought to be read out at the start of every PCC meeting! ‘Above all’, the letter goes on to say, ‘clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony’.
It really is that simple. In the slightly adapted words of North American farmer Wendell Berry: “Do unto those down-dale as you would have those up-dale do unto you”(!)
But of course, human nature often creates complexity out of simplicity, and we can spend a lifetime trying to unravel whatever that complexity might be, and reset. That’s not a problem per se, because life has textures and contours that shift the light and weather patterns as surely as most days in this parish witness. It becomes a problem when we forget that our fundamental calling as Christians is to minister to and amongst, not protect at all costs whatever we feel is important to us as individuals. Don’t get me wrong, family, kinship and farm all matter, but we must not forget the golden thread of God’s love, grace and mercy that weave it all together. All might be well with me, but what about my neighbour?
The words of Bishop John Robinson, buried in the churchyard here and author of the 1963 text Honest to God ring true: “that Christianity should be equated in the public mind, inside as well as outside the Church, with ‘organised religion’ merely shows how far we have departed from the New Testament. For the last thing the Church exists to be is an organisation for the religious. Its charter is to be the servant of the world.”
Tom, it is into this established tapestry of life that you are now to weave your own thread, thus making the garment that clothes you all in this parish renewed in its purpose and reach. That’s the crucial bit to remember: the reach of God goes forth from this place, and from our worship enabling us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those whom we encounter. For Bishop John Robinson the key understanding was that God is ‘the ground of our being’. Cambridge theologian Sarah Coakley remarks that ‘[Robinson] kept asking us: ‘Why is this important?’ ‘What matters now?’’. I think those questions ought to be at the heart of our Christian endeavour in this season, as we continue to respond and emerge from a period of disruption and uncertainty. The answer to the question, ‘What matters now?’ surely lies in the needs of our neighbours, the communities of this parish, in the stewardship of our environment. The author of Colossians holds all of this in mind, and with pastoral forethought perhaps for our current age: we may not be able to actually sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, but Colossians asks us to do that ‘with gratitude in our hearts’. Yes, I am flexing the text a bit, but to me this is an invitation towards attitude: in the midst of frustration can we maintain a spirit and attitude of gratitude? Therein lies a challenge, and an opportunity. But let’s not forget to pause a moment, and give thanks. And let’s not forget to tell our story of how the Gospel is engaged with in this place.
A licensing is a bit like an introduction, which in a sense it is – between priest and parish. The style underneath the legal bits of the service is perhaps the beginning of getting to know one another, telling something about each other, seeking common ground. But the author of Colossians begins from a different perspective – the common ground is set forth in a fulsome way, the affirmation of what we already know of who we are as beloved children of God. So, this licensing service is a moment to pause and celebrate this, and to look forward and realise afresh how we continue together. This is a time then of acknowledgement, of discovery, and of celebration.
Paul says`; “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. So, we have Jesus the Son, and God the Father. Where is the Spirit? Well, the author of the letter does not mention the Spirit overtly – but there is no need to. We have heard about the Spirit all the time as the Spirit’s fruit and gifts are lavished on the body, both at large and here in this local place. The Spirit is constantly at work in the same way as we are breathing right now without giving it conscious thought. Remember that love is the greatest and deepest of the Spirit’s fruit.
In effecting introductions this is where we begin, with all that we have in common because of God’s gift in Christ. That is why we are here. Whatever may lie ahead it is God in Christ who has brought us together, it is God in Christ to whom we belong together, it is God in Christ in whom we live together, both for the church and for the world.
In the words of the prayer on your parish website:
May the Father’s grace abound in you
as the flowing water of the beck.
May the Son’s love and hope invigorate you
as the rising slopes of fell and dale.
May the Spirit’s companionship be with you
as the glory of the golden meadows.
Amen.
Along with the expected kit of episcopal choir dress: cassock and rochet (do enter any terms in a search engine later if you aren’t sure – such words are often handy in scrabble competitions), I was given 2 pectoral crosses, 2 pastoral staffs, 2 copes, 1 stole and 1 mitre (thankfully). It was the height of the New Zealand Summer, and very humid. The long and short of it is that by the end of the 3-hour service I was really in no state to be contemplating the role to which I had just been ordained.
To me that all seems rather at odds with the sentiment expressed in our reading for this evening. In this chapter of the letter to the Christian community at Colossae, the author lays out to his flock what it means to live a life in Christ. And here in these particular verses we are presented with the imagery of what clothing will be needed: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. I think this verse alone ought to be read out at the start of every PCC meeting! ‘Above all’, the letter goes on to say, ‘clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony’.
It really is that simple. In the slightly adapted words of North American farmer Wendell Berry: “Do unto those down-dale as you would have those up-dale do unto you”(!)
But of course, human nature often creates complexity out of simplicity, and we can spend a lifetime trying to unravel whatever that complexity might be, and reset. That’s not a problem per se, because life has textures and contours that shift the light and weather patterns as surely as most days in this parish witness. It becomes a problem when we forget that our fundamental calling as Christians is to minister to and amongst, not protect at all costs whatever we feel is important to us as individuals. Don’t get me wrong, family, kinship and farm all matter, but we must not forget the golden thread of God’s love, grace and mercy that weave it all together. All might be well with me, but what about my neighbour?
The words of Bishop John Robinson, buried in the churchyard here and author of the 1963 text Honest to God ring true: “that Christianity should be equated in the public mind, inside as well as outside the Church, with ‘organised religion’ merely shows how far we have departed from the New Testament. For the last thing the Church exists to be is an organisation for the religious. Its charter is to be the servant of the world.”
Tom, it is into this established tapestry of life that you are now to weave your own thread, thus making the garment that clothes you all in this parish renewed in its purpose and reach. That’s the crucial bit to remember: the reach of God goes forth from this place, and from our worship enabling us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those whom we encounter. For Bishop John Robinson the key understanding was that God is ‘the ground of our being’. Cambridge theologian Sarah Coakley remarks that ‘[Robinson] kept asking us: ‘Why is this important?’ ‘What matters now?’’. I think those questions ought to be at the heart of our Christian endeavour in this season, as we continue to respond and emerge from a period of disruption and uncertainty. The answer to the question, ‘What matters now?’ surely lies in the needs of our neighbours, the communities of this parish, in the stewardship of our environment. The author of Colossians holds all of this in mind, and with pastoral forethought perhaps for our current age: we may not be able to actually sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, but Colossians asks us to do that ‘with gratitude in our hearts’. Yes, I am flexing the text a bit, but to me this is an invitation towards attitude: in the midst of frustration can we maintain a spirit and attitude of gratitude? Therein lies a challenge, and an opportunity. But let’s not forget to pause a moment, and give thanks. And let’s not forget to tell our story of how the Gospel is engaged with in this place.
A licensing is a bit like an introduction, which in a sense it is – between priest and parish. The style underneath the legal bits of the service is perhaps the beginning of getting to know one another, telling something about each other, seeking common ground. But the author of Colossians begins from a different perspective – the common ground is set forth in a fulsome way, the affirmation of what we already know of who we are as beloved children of God. So, this licensing service is a moment to pause and celebrate this, and to look forward and realise afresh how we continue together. This is a time then of acknowledgement, of discovery, and of celebration.
Paul says`; “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. So, we have Jesus the Son, and God the Father. Where is the Spirit? Well, the author of the letter does not mention the Spirit overtly – but there is no need to. We have heard about the Spirit all the time as the Spirit’s fruit and gifts are lavished on the body, both at large and here in this local place. The Spirit is constantly at work in the same way as we are breathing right now without giving it conscious thought. Remember that love is the greatest and deepest of the Spirit’s fruit.
In effecting introductions this is where we begin, with all that we have in common because of God’s gift in Christ. That is why we are here. Whatever may lie ahead it is God in Christ who has brought us together, it is God in Christ to whom we belong together, it is God in Christ in whom we live together, both for the church and for the world.
In the words of the prayer on your parish website:
May the Father’s grace abound in you
as the flowing water of the beck.
May the Son’s love and hope invigorate you
as the rising slopes of fell and dale.
May the Spirit’s companionship be with you
as the glory of the golden meadows.
Amen.
Tom's response to being welcomed to the Parish
My new parish, its great to see you! I look forward to walking the next stage of our life together as your parish priest. My Dad gave me my own personalised ordinance survey map with the parish at the centre of it. I’ve been looking at some of the place names: Knucklebone Pastures, Knipe Scar, Providence Pot … I look forward to knowing each of you by name as I build up my knowledge of you as part of the landscape of this parish.
Thank you to PCC members and parishioners for graciously holding off attending until the last possible moment to enable others to attend, and for now coming at the last minute in healthy numbers. Thank you Bishop Helen-Ann for sending your sermon in advance so that people who couldn’t attend could feel as though they have participated.
It is great to see Mike the chaplain at Scargill house here this evening and thank you for reading. I look forward to fellowship with you and continuing links developed by my predecessors with Scargill. Thank you to the impromptu choir convened by Myra and Anne, for music and singing that have enabled us to draw close to God.
Thank you to those who have decorated this Church with flowers. How cherished and loved this Church looks. Thank you.
Thank you to you all by your presence demonstrating a commitment to supporting me and my family as I begin in post here today.
A special thank you to Andrew Hitchon who as Churchwarden has done a wonderful job of smoothing paths as I arrive in post. In particular I would like to express my appreciation for all you have done in preparing so painstakingly and thoughtfully for tonight, that we could meet safely in limited numbers. I really appreciate your care of me as I begin new ministry here.
Thank you for your welcome.
I greatly look forward to sharing in the life of this community
and I will seek to serve God faithfully among you.
Licensing prayers
The Father we know, the Son we know … where is the Spirit?
The Spirit is everywhere. The Spirit is here.
We pray for the Church families at Conistone, Hubberholme, Kettlewell and here at Arncliffe. Lord Jesus, may all who live in this parish know a sense of cherishing one another as a community - both in giving hospitality and in being open to receiving hospitality from others.
We pray that the reach of God will go forth from this place. Lord Holy Spirit, draw close to us this evening that in our response to your indwelling - in our worship now - that the reach of God will go forth from this place.
We pray for all who live in, whose working life is, this parish. All trying to stay solvent and survive. We pray for a time of recovery, even for a time of thriving.
We give thanks for all who have kept the show on the road in the parish during the vacancy. We pray that they will be replenished for all they have given of themselves to the life of this parish.
We pray for all the teachers and all the children at Kettlewell School, for continued good links between Church and school.
Bishop John Robinson said that our charter as a Church is to be the servant of the world. So we pray for that world, for all who continue to suffer the most as a result of this pandemic.
We pray for any we know who are unwell at the moment…
We grieve with those who grieve: we think especially of Brenda McKenzie’s family grieving Brenda’s passing. We rejoice with those who rejoice: we celebrate with John and Celene getting married here on Saturday. We pray for God’s richest blessings upon them in the run up to their big day.
I pray that this parish - as we together are renewed in our purpose and reach - that we might do everything with gratitude in our hearts … and that whatever we do, that we do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Thank you to PCC members and parishioners for graciously holding off attending until the last possible moment to enable others to attend, and for now coming at the last minute in healthy numbers. Thank you Bishop Helen-Ann for sending your sermon in advance so that people who couldn’t attend could feel as though they have participated.
It is great to see Mike the chaplain at Scargill house here this evening and thank you for reading. I look forward to fellowship with you and continuing links developed by my predecessors with Scargill. Thank you to the impromptu choir convened by Myra and Anne, for music and singing that have enabled us to draw close to God.
Thank you to those who have decorated this Church with flowers. How cherished and loved this Church looks. Thank you.
Thank you to you all by your presence demonstrating a commitment to supporting me and my family as I begin in post here today.
A special thank you to Andrew Hitchon who as Churchwarden has done a wonderful job of smoothing paths as I arrive in post. In particular I would like to express my appreciation for all you have done in preparing so painstakingly and thoughtfully for tonight, that we could meet safely in limited numbers. I really appreciate your care of me as I begin new ministry here.
Thank you for your welcome.
I greatly look forward to sharing in the life of this community
and I will seek to serve God faithfully among you.
Licensing prayers
The Father we know, the Son we know … where is the Spirit?
The Spirit is everywhere. The Spirit is here.
We pray for the Church families at Conistone, Hubberholme, Kettlewell and here at Arncliffe. Lord Jesus, may all who live in this parish know a sense of cherishing one another as a community - both in giving hospitality and in being open to receiving hospitality from others.
We pray that the reach of God will go forth from this place. Lord Holy Spirit, draw close to us this evening that in our response to your indwelling - in our worship now - that the reach of God will go forth from this place.
We pray for all who live in, whose working life is, this parish. All trying to stay solvent and survive. We pray for a time of recovery, even for a time of thriving.
We give thanks for all who have kept the show on the road in the parish during the vacancy. We pray that they will be replenished for all they have given of themselves to the life of this parish.
We pray for all the teachers and all the children at Kettlewell School, for continued good links between Church and school.
Bishop John Robinson said that our charter as a Church is to be the servant of the world. So we pray for that world, for all who continue to suffer the most as a result of this pandemic.
We pray for any we know who are unwell at the moment…
We grieve with those who grieve: we think especially of Brenda McKenzie’s family grieving Brenda’s passing. We rejoice with those who rejoice: we celebrate with John and Celene getting married here on Saturday. We pray for God’s richest blessings upon them in the run up to their big day.
I pray that this parish - as we together are renewed in our purpose and reach - that we might do everything with gratitude in our hearts … and that whatever we do, that we do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
