Team Rector, Revd Rebecca Harris reports on the ordination of Holly Newton as Deacon
It was a pleasure and a joy to witness the ordination as Deacon of our new curate, Holly Newton. Despite the Covid restrictions in place, it was a moving service, which reminded me of my own ordination many years ago now. The service was led by Bishop Nicholas (his last ordination before his retirement). There was a very meaningful sermon by Brother Clark Borge of Hillfield Friary.
After the service, it was lovely to meet with some members of Holly’s family, including her mother whom, I found out, lives in my former parish of Creech St Michael! You can read the order of service here. The service is also available on the Cathedral website for a month after the service.
Please pray for Holly, and her family (husband Tom, children Anna and Joseph) as they settle into our parish and find their way round and as we start to get to know each other.
Holly writes about herself here
Wiltshire Deacon Holly Newton will not be moving too far when she begins her curacy in the White Horse Benefice – she served as a Lay Worship Leader at St James’ Trowbridge and also trained there as an ordinand.
A professional cook and educator with a love of hosting and hospitality, she is eager to learn more about inclusive church.
Holly says:
“I love baking and cooking. Having changed to a gluten-free diet, I am having fun experimenting with gluten-free baking.”
“Before training I was self-employed, making cakes for local cafes and giving talks and workshops on historical cookery. Prior to having children, I worked at the Jane Austen Centre in Bath as Groups and Education Co-ordinator.”
“I’ve been working with volunteers, managing periods of change, working with a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds and gaining experience in public speaking.”
“I have a keen interest in working to make church accessible for those with additional needs with the aim of working to enable the use of their gifts and for every voice to be heard.”
“I am currently trying to learn Makaton signing!”
With husband Tom, two children, two guinea pigs, a cat, and a Shih Tzu puppy about to arrive, time management is a crucial skill – as is self-care. Thankfully, Holly has a range of interests to choose from. “In my first year at university, I studied performing arts and I enjoy learning and teaching dance routines for worship songs.”
“I also enjoy walking, crochet, spending time with family and friends, reading, writing poetry and learning about social history, and I’m attempting to learn about gardening! My favourite place to go on holiday is the Highlands of Scotland.”
How has Covid affected her ministry so far?
“It has meant I have needed to be adaptable and creative during training. It has also engendered some very deep relationships with folk in church who I have been speaking with regularly on the phone.”
“Deep questions have arisen in many people which I believe we will need to engage with. The importance of relationships and presence has been brought to the forefront.”
Having enjoyed the depth, challenge and diversity of her time at Sarum College, and happy to serve in either a rural or urban parish, Holly says:
“I’m most looking forward to getting to know everyone in the White Horse Benefice, getting involved in the life of the churches, learning from my new Benefice and sharing the love of God.
“As the song goes, ‘God is good all of the time, and all of the time God is good!’ God is faithful to bless when we say yes to Him! So, if you are wondering whether God might have a particular calling for you, say yes to exploring.
“The loving Lord Jesus will be by your side all the way!”
Excerpt from The Grapevine – Diocese of Salisbury – read the full article here…