We are happy to be able to celebrate today.  This is the start of a new chapter for THBC as we held the induction service for Gill Isterling today.  It is also a new chapter for Gill, as she starts ministry in her first church.  But thinking bigger, both of us (Gill and THBC) are really part of God’s bigger story – God’s story where his fierce love reaches out into our lives.

Many people contributed to the service including Mike Frgaredo – the Baptist Union regional minister, Anne Davies from Gill’s previous church in Mansfield, a ‘dissenting’ sermon from Richard Kidd, a number of individuals from the church representing the whole church through spoken word and prayer, and also there was music and worship from TH members including Rosie and Jago.

Of course no celebration is complete without a some kind of food and we certainly had a plenty of great food to enjoy.  Thanks to everybody who worked to provide this, to set it up and to clear it all up afterwards.

Mike reminded us of the similarities between a wedding and an induction. The induction has been well and truly celebrated. But the covenant relationship we (THBC) and Gill have entered is just beginning and this really is just the start!

 
 A podcast of the service is available for download.