On Saturday 28 September, we gathered at Gatley URC in Stockport for the ordination and induction of Revd Steph Atkins as our new minister in the Greater Manchester South Missional Partnership.

Steph was joined in church by family and friends, including husband Jim and children Ernie and Ada, for an uplifting service of worship and praise, music and readings, introduced by Revd Clare Downing, Moderator of the North Western Synod. The church was full, with many others joining online.

Two young people from Gatley URC’s Eco Friends group led the opening prayers. The sermon was given by Revd Dr Robert Pope from Westminster College where Steph studied, and representatives from her ‘sending’ church and placement churches were also in attendance. Revd Bob Day, our Missional Partnership Convener, gave a narrative of the events leading to the decision to issue a call, and Steph spoke movingly of her journey to exploring ministry and the challenges of fitting in her studies with the demands of family life. The newly formed Partnership Singers, made up of members from our churches, sang The Lord is My Shepherd to the theme tune of the Vicar of Dibley TV series.

There was such a lovely atmosphere of warmth and love for Steph in the church as she knelt for her ordination and ‘laying on of hands’. Afterwards, she was presented with gifts of a home communion set and two beautiful specially-commissioned stoles.

Thanks to the team at Gatley who did a sterling job as hosts, including a delicious afternoon tea served after the service.

We’re very fortunate and so pleased to welcome Steph into our ministry team to serve alongside Revd Kurauone Mutimwii, and we look forward to working with her in our steering group, elderships and eight churches.