Collation of our new Rector of East Blatchington and Bishopstone Father Simon Earnshaw Welcome to your new Benefice!

The church was packed to overflowing with a variety of dignitaries and members from his former churches of Keymer and Clayton as well as St. Peter’s and St Andrew’s.  Bishop William Hazelwood, Bishop of Lewes and Rev’d Samuel Carter, Assistant Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes led the proceedings. Father Simon chose the following hymns:

·      The Processional Hymn - Rejoice! The Lord is King

·      The Gradual Hymn - Tell all the world of Jesus 

Following the sermon delivered by the Bishop, we sang "O Holy Spirit, Lord of Grace".

·      The Preparation of the Table – All my hope on God is founded

During Communion the choir had practised an anthem for the occasion ‘We love the Place, O God’ by Paul Leddington Wright, chosen by Eleanor Ferguson who is currently our choir leader. This was a gentle, lesser-known work that seemed well received. We continued with

·      Be still, for the presence of the Lord

·      Ending with - Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided

At the end of the service Father Simon took the opportunity of thanking the St Peter’s and St Andrew’s congregation for their generosity regarding the beautiful hamper, cards, cakes and gifts he and his wife Victoria, and children Hannah and Naomi had received. He was particularly fulsome in his praise of the work that had been done on the Rectory. To be able to just move in and not have to think about decorating or flooring was an enormous relief to the family, he said.

Members of the United Benefice had prepared a delicious repast, and the tables were groaning with a variety of sweet and savoury foods which aimed to cover most tastes and allergies. This was served in the Chapel Rooms and along with the wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee was warmly received and much appreciated by all who partook. Many of Father Simon’s previous congregation declared that although they were extremely sorry to see him leave their parishes, they felt he had come to a most welcoming and generous community.