New Priest for St Gregory’s
More than 300 people packed St Gregory’s Church last Friday (16 May) to welcome Canon Gregory Webb as the new incumbent.
The Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the Right Reverend Nigel Stock, led prayers for the parish and its new priest. He preached the sermon, and conducted the Licensing. The Archdeacon of Sudbury, the Venerable David Brierley, officiated for the Installation. Many local clergy and church leaders were present for the occasion.
In the course of the service, a Bible signifying proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ, water signifying bringing others to faith through baptism, bread and wine for Holy Communion, oil as a sign of God’s healing and reconciling love, and a basin and towel as a sign of service, were brought forward in turn.
On behalf of local churches and communities, words of welcome were spoken by the new Mayor of Sudbury, John Sayers, the vice chairman of Churches Together, Malcolm Offord, Neil Holmes of Edens, and the heads of the church schools.
The collection amounted to £450, which will be divided between Christian Aid and Edens.
All were invited to stay for refreshments after the service.
Writing for the Parish Magazine a few weeks earlier, Greg and Jackie said
We are not originally Suffolk people although we have now lived here for most of our lives. We met and married in Suffolk (at Ufford Church in 1978) and then lived in Felixstowe for 11 years where Greg was a solicitor and Jackie a teacher.
We have 3 children, Nick (27yrs) Allie (25yrs) and Jo (22yrs). Nick (a Christian Youth Worker) and Allie (Primary teacher) are both married and live in Swanage and Oxford respectively. Jo is training to be a teacher and will start work at Thurston Upper School in July. She will be living at the Rectory. (We also have 2 West Highland terriers – Zaccheus and Theophilus.)
Greg trained for ordination at Oak Hill College in London. We moved there as a family in 1989. It was quite an upheaval but God’s call seemed very clear. Since ordination we have lived in Bury St Edmunds. Greg began as curate at St George’s Church before moving to All Saints as priest in charge. For the last 6 years Greg has been Team Rector of the North Bury Team Ministry. Jackie has been teaching part-time at a local primary school while we have been in Bury. She will continue with that after we move.
We both enjoy walking, the theatre and reading. We are looking forward to going to the Quay Theatre in Sudbury as well as trying some of the local walks. Walking holidays are generally in the Lake District (higher hills than Suffolk!)
We are very much looking forward to moving to Sudbury. We feel that God has called us to move, and we now wait and see what God’s vision for the future holds. We can be sure it will be an exciting one. Meeting new people and sharing in faith is always a joy.
“..let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12v1,2.
Congratulations on your move Greg & Jackie. I really hope that you enjoy your new challenge!
Hope to see you again soon………
John