David was the Bishop of Basingstoke, a position he held since 2014. Prior to his consecration in 2014, he was a parish priest for over 25 years.Ordained in 1989, David began his ministry as a curate in Ecclesall, Sheffield Diocese. He was a priest in Dore before being appointed Rural Dean of Ecclesall in 1997. In 2002 he became the vicar of Christ Church in Winchester and was made an honorary canon of Winchester Cathedral in 2012.On his appointment, David said: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be coming to the Diocese of Truro. It’s been an astonishing journey, enriched by so many people I’ve met on the way, people who clearly have been praying; people who’ve been seeking wisdom for the future of the church in Cornwall.What a remarkable place this is! I’ve worked in and visited Cornwall many times over the last 30 years and each time have come back feeling refreshed and renewed – both spiritually and physically."At heart a parish priest"I am, at heart, a parish priest. I want to continue working for the flourishing of local churches. The local church is vital to a local community. It’s a place where we encounter God. It’s a place where you’re encouraged and comforted when you’re in trouble. It’s also a place where we are challenged and learn how to live in God’s light.“So, as I look forward to coming to this place, I wonder if I can ask you to pray with me, as I will pray for you, that we would be faithful to who God is and what he calls us to be. That we would travel together would go on a new adventure together to discover the goodness of God, not in some distant place, but in our own localities. May the Lord bless you.”
Stratton Deanery Implementation Team are delighted to announce that Rev Amanda Evans has been appointed as Mission Enabler to the Deanery. She starts work on 19th May. She will be familiarising herself with the people and parishes in the deanery for the first few weeks and may be contacting churches in the near future.This is a long term role, the aim of which is to make Christ known, and grow the church amongst all the communities on the deanery.Revamanda@strattondeanery.co.uk
Celtic Quiet Places ProjectDuring the period from the 5th to the 8th Century AD, young British men and women travelled through the Western lands of Britain and Gaul, taking the good news of the Gospel to all who would listen. As they travelled they found quiet, 'out of the way' places to stay, where they could spend time alone with Christ. Over the years churches were built in these special places. Many are still in isolated locations: some are now in the centre of busy towns. All provide an oasis of quiet which they would like to share with you.We have Pilgrim Passports and stickers available in the church, which you can complete to show which Celtic Quiet Place churches you have visited.For more information and details of which churches are included, please visit: https://celticquietplaces.com/
From the National Churches Trust website:Every church has a story to tell. They are treasure houses of heritage, history and community, ready for visitors near and far to enjoy. In every corner of the UK, we love seeing how churches, chapels and meeting houses are providing a wonderful welcome to visitors and how they’re sharing their building with others. Most churches were built to be at the heart of their communities, to be busy and used by all. Opening your doors is one of the easiest things you can do, but it sends a clear message that churches are for everyone. It also enables visitors to see the ongoing need for care and conservation. By sharing your stories, architectural history, social heritage and more you are helping the wider public understand and care for these amazing buildings. By organising events and open days, you engage with the public.
