Martin Gorick officially began his ministry as our next Bishop of Dudley this evening with a special service of welcome in Top Church, Dudley.
Around 150 people attended the service including dignitaries from Dudley Borough and people from across the Diocese.
During the service Martin was welcomed by different people including the Mayor of Dudley, the Chief Executive of the Churches Housing Association or Dudley and District (CHADD), the Dudley Interfaith Forum and the Chairs of the Houses of Clergy and Laity in the Diocese. He also received a number of signs of his ministry, including a bible, prayer book, a communion set and a pectoral cross. Bishop John then presented Bishop Martin with his cope, mitre and pastoral staff.
In his sermon, Bishop Martin thanked everyone for coming and said: "I'm looking forward to invitations to visit churches and different community places in the coming years as it's all about what we can do together as God's people in this place." He also talked about the power of three-word phrases and suggested that God's challenge to his people might be to 'make Jesus real', saying. "It is not just a a task for clergy - all of us are called to a ministry to live as Kingdom People, with values of love, compassion, justice and freedom. To live out our calling to ensure Jesus is not just a historical figure or a great teacher, but is living and active in our day to day lives."
After the service, Martin said: "It has been a really wonderful service and lovely to be finally starting my ministry among the people of Dudley and the wider Diocese."
See more photos from the service at Top Church.
On Sunday, Bishop Martin was also welcomed at a special evensong at the Cathedral where he was installed as an Honorary Canon.
See the photos from the service at the Cathedral.
Listen to Bishop Martin's sermon preached at each service (but recorded at the Cathedral):
