I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new Rector for the Ridgeway Benefice. So what does a Rector do? Leading worship, visiting the sick, offering spiritual counsel, walking alongside people through difficult times, doing rather more administration than you might imagine, being a visible Christian presence in the community... And, underpinning all that: prayer!

But the most important job for me will be listening. I've already heard that people would value more opportunities for the Rector to be present and involved in worship across the villages. We won't be making any changes to the existing pattern of services before we've had time to discern our needs, our strengths and our hopes. That way we can discern what God is calling us to be.

How can you help? When I was a very new curate, in my very first week of ordained ministry, I asked my bishop if he could give me one sentence to take away to my new parish. He said (rather gruffly) “Pray - and be bold!”.

So that's the favour I'll ask from you as I settle in over the next few months. Pray for God's guidance. Ask God what we're being called to be together. And be bold!