A truly splendid licensing service on Thursday September 18th marked the beginning of the ministry of Reverend Philip Nott to our church. The service was presided over by Bishop Ruth, who spoke warmly of previous working relationships with Phil and his wife, also called Ruth, and welcomed Phil into the newly-formed Hope Parish Liverpool. Phil will serve both with our church and with St. Bede and St. Clement in Toxteth. Canon Robert Clack said that Phil would end a long waiting period for St. Bede and St. Clement, and that he knew they and we would enjoy Phil's ministry. Phil wrote of himself and Ruth: "We are looking forward to joining both parishes in their calling to see a bigger Church making a bigger difference in Toxteth and Wavertree. I (Phil) have been ordained for 27 years, and we have worked in Bristol for 16 years, including 10 years in a multi-cultural urban parish in Easton. Ruth currently works for InHope, a charity that supports some of Bristol's most marginalised people, as Finance and Operations Manager. We have two adult children and hope to add a rescue dog to our family once we're settled. Please pray for us as we do for you in our leaving and moving up from our City of Hope to join Hope Parish Liverpool at this exciting time of new beginnings and fresh vision." We are thrilled to have Phil and Ruth with his, and look forward to meeting their canine companion in due course. May God bless them all as they enter his service in this place.

The photo shows Bishop Ruth, Phil Nott and his wife Ruth