Revd Dr James Saunders inducted and installed as vicar of St Mary's Nottingham

Revd Dr James Saunders inducted and installed as vicar of St Mary’s Nottingham

‘I pray that you will be a church where the Wisdom of God is made known, in your worship, your prayers, your service to the people of Nottingham, and in your compassionate, confident and courageous mission, above all in Growing Disciples in partnership with churches across this city.”

Tuesday evening was a significant evening in the city as Revd James Saunders was inducted and installed as vicar of St Mary’s Church, Nottingham. The words above are from Bishop Paul’s sermon during the service, where many joined from across Nottinghamshire and beyond to welcome James in this new season of ministry.

James’ Story

Growing up in Rutland and Lincolnshire, James was never not part of a church and his journey towards ordained ministry began with the welcome and encouragement of congregations in small village churches. For the past fifteen years James has been called to be Chaplain of Uppingham School, a co-educational, multi-national and multi-faith boarding school for young people aged 13-18. Alongside this, James has been heavily involved in school governance, including chairing the board of a Multi-Academy Trust for a number of years and membership of Peterborough Diocesan Board of Education. He has been a Canon of Peterborough Cathedral since 2022.

James is married to Sue who works as an Occupational Therapist for the NHS – most recently in a community crisis team – and has a particular interest in supporting people with dementia. They have two children: Thomas, in his early 20s, who works in Early Years education (but would love a job as a full-time bellringer, if anyone has one going); and Emma, who has just completed her first term studying Biomedical Science at York University.

James has a deep conviction that there are no boundaries or limits to the love of Christ, and that the Church’s calling is to offer that love undefensively to all. Working in places where the Church and ‘the world’ meet has been one of the chief joys of his ministry, and he has been deeply attracted by St Mary’s interpretation of its Civic role as a calling to be a church that serves all the communities in the City of Nottingham.

The Service

The choir led worship beautifully throughout the service, beginning with the first antiphon, ‘O Sapienta’ (O wisdom) as all look towards Christ’s coming in this season of Advent and particularly pray for Wisdom.

St Mary’s role as the civic church in the city was recognised as James was welcomed by the Dean of the Roman Catholic cathedral, the City Council, and a partner from Rothera Bray LLP. Tribute was also played to the rich history of St Mary’s in reaching younger: as part of the foundation of Nottingham High School (1512), opening its doors for what would become the Bluecoat charity school (1706), and the then vicar playing a pivotal role in the foundation of Nottingham High School for Girls (1875) as well St Mary’s role as Principal partner in the planting of 17 churches as the population of Nottingham rapidly grew in the 19th century.

With this rich heritage in serving and building God’s Kingdom as a foundation, please join us in praying for James, the team and congregation of St Mary’s as they begin this new season of ministry together.