‘New’ church has an ancient past
Pat Rennison 's ordination.
She was baptised, confirmed and married in the same parish church and now Patricia Rennison has seen her dream come true - by being ordained as a vicar there.
The former teacher was inducted at a service held in St James’ Church in Shilbottle on Sunday evening, by the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverand Martin Wharton.
By ancient tradition the church ordains new ministers as close as possible to the Feast of St Peter which falls on June 29. Rev Rennison had formerly served as curate and has been an active member there since 1985. A sermon in 1996 struck a chord with Pat and in 2001 she was licensed as a reader.
When she retired from full-time teaching in 2007, she realised that God was calling her to greater commitment in the church. “It’s a dream come true but one which I never thought would happen,” she said. “It’s also made history, as this was the first time an ordination has been held at St James’.
“Words can’t describe how I feel right now. To be ordained in my home church is very special to me - it will take some time for it all to sink in.”
Although not vicar of Shilbottle – the post is still vacant – Pat will act as assistant, performing a full range of duties from Communion and baptisms to marriages and funerals.
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Weather for Northumberland
Wednesday 19 June 2013
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