A NEW vicar has been welcomed at St Mary's Church in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

On Sunday, July 23, Philip Bishop had his Collation and Induction Service at the church.

Church warden Val McKenzie said: "We have been without a vicar since September 2022 and we’re so pleased to welcome Phil and his wife Caroline, to our church and into the whole community of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

"The church was full, with Phil’s guests from his previous parish of St Mary’s in Weaverham, Cheshire, where he was their curate for three years, members of other congregations from churches where Phil had done some of his training, members of his family who had travelled from Kent and Morpeth to support him on this special day.

"From Burley we had invited guests from our local community, our congregation and clergy from other churches in our village.

"Bishop Toby Howarth, Archdeacon Andy Jolley and Reverend Paul Withington were the officiates at the service interspersed with our Area Dean, Reverend Mike Coe making introductions. It was a formal service with the hymns chosen by Phil, yet there were opportunities for laughter, including references to Phil’s surname.

"Following the service, refreshments of food and drinks were offered to all. These were gratefully received by the folk who had travelled many miles to be at this service.

"Having spoken with quite a number of Phil’s previous parishioners, I was left in no doubt that Phil is a kind, thoughtful and compassionate man. We will do all we can to help both Caroline and Phil to settle into this beautiful part of Yorkshire. God has lead them to us and we have to follow His will. We will give them our love, prayers of support and encouragement over the coming years."

Revd Phil said: “With my wife Caroline, we have been made to feel incredibly welcome from the moment we arrived in Burley a couple of weeks ago. My first service here was a wonderful celebration and I’m tremendously grateful to everyone at St Mary’s who worked so hard preparing for it. Many local people came and representatives from the local community offered their welcome. The service was also attended by friends and family from further afield including a coach full of people from my previous church in Weaverham in Cheshire. The Bishop of Bradford, Toby Howarth, gave an inspiring message explaining how we can all experience God’s love and presence wherever and in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves.  God has a message of good news for all people. My hope is that we at St Mary’s will be able to build on the good work that has been done here in the past, working alongside local groups, and growing in serving and being a blessing in this community.”

Refreshments were organised by Karen Selby with donations from the congregation and lay reader Mary Brooks was thanked for looking after the church during the interregnum.