On Sunday 6th September this year both All Saints’ Madeley and St. Margaret’s Betley celebrated a new Christian festival, the Festival of Creation in Christ. This new liturgical festival has been established to make space to give thanks to God for creation. The festival also reminds us that as Christians, we can understand creation in relation to Jesus.

Jesus was there in the beginning and at the centre of creation. (John 1)

Jesus holds all things together (Colossians 1)

Jesus will be there at the fulfilment of all things (Revelation 21)

Basically, creation is utterly central to our faith in Jesus, so is care of creation.

One of the people involved in the pulling together of resources for this new festival was Bishop Michael Ipgrave.

Bishop Michael retired as the 99th Bishop of Lichfield on the 27th of September. He was Bishop of Lichfield just over ten years.

The change in diocesan bishop is a big thing for a diocese, and I have to say, personally I will miss Bishop Michael’s ministry. He was a figure of unity in a diverse diocese and was a shepherd of his sheep. A wise and caring bishop, I shall miss his integrity, his good humour and his gentle wisdom and approachable nature.

As we say farewell to bishop Michael the process for appointing the 100th bishop of Lichfield is well-underway. The first bishop of Lichfield was St. Chad, who was bishop between 669 and 672 AD. It’s now time to be praying for the appointment for the 100th Bishop of Lichfield. I wonder who it might be?

Blessings

Rev Tim