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Licensing of Revd Peter Ford in Flöthe
A step to further our Ecumenical Partnership with the Evangelisch Lutheraner Kirche in the Braunschweig Diocese was taken over the weekend of 21st/22nd June. Revd. Peter Ford, formerly Vicar of the parish of Warton, near. Preston, was Licensed to work alongside Pastor Ralf Ohainski in our link parish of Gross and Klein Flöthe. Martin and Sarah Keighley and four other members of St. Chad’s and St. Hilda’s in Poulton attended to add their support to Peter.
The moving Licensing Service was held in the small church of St. Lambertus in the village of Gross Flöthe. The large supportive congregation had representatives from several parishes from both the Blackburn and Braunschweig Dioceses. The service was mainly in German but Bishop Nicholas’s address was ably translated by Pastor Ralf and one hymn, ‘The Church’s on foundation’, was sung in both English and German. Bishop Nicholas and Bishop Weber of Braunschweig, bestowed their blessings on Peter as he begins his three year’s of pastoral work in the parish. His six months language tuition will hopefully be of benefit to him in his work!
In typical Flöthe fashion, the service was followed by a wonderful party in the church grounds, when presentations and thanks were made. The warm summer sunshine enhanced the festive atmosphere for the ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ and barbeque. We were all invited to join in with the entertainment. The informal atmosphere provided an opportunity for Peter to meet with some of his new parishioners and for us to meet up again with friends made over the past years of our parish link. Those from other parts of the Diocese experienced the warm and generous hospitality of our German friends for, perhaps, the first time.
Please remember the Diocesan partnership in your prayers along with Revd. Peter Ford and Pastor Ralf Ohainski as Peter begins his pastoral work in the parish of Flöthe. Ann McCarthy
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