A report from Elizabeth Conran
The induction of the Revd Julie Martin to the Two Dales Pastorate on Saturday, 17 September, at Low Row United Reformed Church drew "a full house". Church members from Low Row and Keld, a coach with twenty members from Bamard Castle, several visitors from Julie's last pastorate and members of her family, local residents and invited guests, including members of other churches in Swaledale, and a choir, filled Low Row church below and two galleries above.
The service presentation was symbolic of Julie's past and new pastorates, and the life of the joint pastorate during the vacancy. It was led by the Revd Peter Poulter, our own Moderator, the Scriptures were read by elders from Eccleston and Newtown churches in Lancashire, and from Barnard Castle. The choir was drawn from Swaledale. The Statement of the Nature, Faith and Order of the United Reformed Church was read by the Revd Tjarda Murray, representing the Tees-Swale Mission Partnership. The closing prayer was offered by the Interim Moderator of the joint pastorate, the Revd Alan Spivey.
The sermon was given by the Revd Howard Sharp, Moderator of the Mersey Synod. He asked us to expect and enjoy change in the development of the new pastorate, and provided vivid symbolism. Jesus knocks at the door of our house, and we say, "Come in, delighted to see you." A little later, Jesus invites some of his friends round to meet us - rough, loud-mouthed people, uneducated people, corrupt public servants, prostitutes, disabled people - and we're not so delighted to see them, or, eventually, him. We end up by telling them they're not welcome any more, locking Jesus up in a cupboard in the house, and being happy again with just our own members. Challenging words, expressed memorably.
After the service we wandered along the road, past cows grazing on the verges, to the Literary Institute. (We may be in the country, but we have cultural interests like any townies.) There we had a splendid tea, many introductions, lots of chatter, and so, home.
More about the Two Dales churches:
Barnard Castle
Keld and Low Row