A celebration of God’s transformational love in Sneinton

Thursday evening was a joyful occasion at St Stephen’s Sneinton, as Revd Lynda Blakeley was licensed by Bishop Andy, installed by Archdeacon Phil Williams as the Priest-in-Charge of St Stephen with St Matthias in Sneinton.

Lynda began her ministry at St Stephen’s in 2021, and this special service was a wonderful celebration of many stories of God’s love and hope in the parish over the past few years. Many friends, family, the congregations of St Stephen’s and representatives from the wider community attended the service in support of Lynda.

In his address, Bishop Andy spoke on Psalm 1 and Titus 3:1-8a, sharing three marks of those who are ‘heirs of hope’, to be steeped in Scripture, set apart to serve, and soaked in the Spirit. Bishop Andy reminded Lynda, and all in the congregation, that we are called to surrender before the Lord, to rely on his strength and not our own, so that we might be heirs of hope.

During the signing of the declarations, the worship team at St Stephen’s led a moving version of ‘Waymaker’, declaring who God is over the parish and community in Sneinton. There were also welcomes and stories from representatives from the local community who have worked with Lynda over the past few years. Dr Helen Sperry, a GP from the Windmill Practice where St Stephen’s has offered chaplaincy, shared, “When you pray with Lynda, you know Jesus is there and that he can make a difference in your life.”

Lynda shared, “There is joy ahead as we continue to hold onto the hope that we have in Christ and celebrate the gift we have in each other in this wonderful Sneinton community.”

Please join us in praying for Lynda, and the team at St Stephen’s with St Matthias, as they enter this new phase of ministry in Sneinton.