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The Service of Institution of the Rev'd John Patrick Benson

22nd February 2007

"What a joyous service", "The music filled the church", "A very special atmosphere", "I love the flowers - such brilliant colours" and (from the clergy) "The best institution service I have been to in a long time".

These were all comments I heard while everyone was socialising and enjoying the excellent refreshments following the service on Thursday, 22nd February.

The service started with everyone singing 'Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,' as an impressive procession headed by our choirs, closely followed by many visiting clergy, church dignitaries, the churchwardens and finishing with the Bishop of Rochester made their way up the aisle through a church full to capacity. Many people had an active role in the service and there was quite a lot of movement round the church which all added to the feeling that everyone was involved in welcoming John and seeing him officially installed as our rector.

At the heart of the service was a 'Four-Fold Pattern' which the Bishop spoke about in his sermon. He explained the importance of the bible in teaching the word of God, the use of water in baptism as a sign of belonging to Christ, the significance of the bread and wine used at the Eucharist and the use of prayer to share all our thoughts with God. This was all portrayed symbolically later in the service as representatives from the United Benefice presented John with a bible, a bowl of water, a chalice and paten and a prayer book.

Following the official and ceremonial part of the service everyone was invited to take communion or receive a blessing and the choirs singing at this time was especially moving and enveloping. At the end of the service the Bishop gave a blessing and the recessional hymn "All for Jesus!" seemed an apt reminder of what the life of the church is all about.

In a well-orchestrated move the choir filed out and were back in the church within minutes bearing plates of food and trays of drinks. The feeling of friendship at this time was palpable as parishioners, civic leaders, clergy and John's friends and family all greeted each other.

I am sure that everyone who attended the service would agree that the careful planning, the beautiful flower arrangements, the uplifting singing of the choir, the warmth of the congregation and the presence of the Bishop of Rochester all contributed to this special occasion. And, very importantly, John and Pat Benson feel welcomed to our United Benefice.