Bishop Paul’s Sermon at the Legal Service, St Mary’s in the Lace Market

On Sunday 5th March, St Mary’s in the Lace Market hosted the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire’s Legal Service. The 458th High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Paul Southby, was joined by the Lord Lieutenant, the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council, the Lord Mayor of the City of Nottingham, as well representatives from the police and judiciary.

The annual Legal Service provides an opportunity to give thanks to God for the freedom, justice and peace that we enjoy and the people and organisations across the county who help to safeguard these.

The Revd Tom Gillum, Vicar of St Mary’s, led the service – his last Legal service before he retires at the end of April. Drawing on the theme of freedom, in his sermon Bishop Paul spoke of the Judeo-Christian foundations which remind us that God’s justice sets us free to serve, and how this is at the heart of the grace and truth that Christ came to bring. You can listen to Bishop Paul’s sermon here.

Speaking after the service, Bishop Paul shared: ‘‘I was very pleased to participate again in the High Sheriff’s Legal service which gives thanks for all those who contribute in so many ways to justice across policing, the courts and prisons, as well as the excellent work undertaken in probation and rehabilitation.’’

St Mary’s choir sang the sixteenth century anthem ‘Sing Joyfully’ by William Byrd, and music was also provided by the Nottinghamshire Police Band. The congregation also heard from Marcellus Baz, founder and CEO of Switch Up, the High Sheriff’s nominated charity for this year. Switch Up works to empower young people across the county to break the cycle of offending and re-offending.

Following the service, guests enjoyed a light bite of ‘Pie and Peace’ served by Pulp Friction CIC, a social enterprise that helps people with Autism and learning disabilities to develop social independence and work-place skills.