We are pleased to be able to report that yesterday Revd Dr David Archer was formally commissioned by the Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft in his new role as Director of Rooted in Jesus. The service also provided an opportunity for us to thank my wife Alison for her 25 years of ministry in Africa as she hands over the leadership of Rooted in Jesus to David. Alison was delighted to be presented with a wonderfully appropriate gift by David, on behalf of the Trustees.

Bishop Steven gave a moving and encouraging address from Colossians 2.6-7, focussing on our shared calling to be rooted and grounded in Christ. The service also enabled him to commend Rooted in Jesus to the congregation of St Mary’s, Purley-on-Thames, who had turned out in strength; to thank them for their support for this new opportunity, and to pray for David’s colleague Aidan Jones, the Associate Minister at St Mary’s. Aidan will be taking more responsibility within St Mary’s as David moves to half-time in his role as Rector.

What will Alison be doing now, people asked? Well, many things! Next Saturday she is leading a workshop at the OWL (Outdoor Worship Leicestershire) Conference at Launde Abbey. The subject of the workshop is ‘Connecting with God through Birds’. If you live nearby and would like to go, you can find out more here!