There's a Muckle in West Moors

There were friends and family too, and members of the congregation from Andy's former parish in Gillingham who came to share in the celebration.

Civic guests included MP Sir Christopher Chope and large numbers of clergy from Wimborne Deanery and beyond. Roy Sewell, Head of St Mary’s First School with pupil Eden Wells extended a welcome to Andy, Becky and Isla, along with others from the community.

Gillian Clarke, from West Moors said:

"It was a joyous occasion and the first hymn ‘We have a gospel to proclaim, good news for all throughout the earth’ set the focus for this celebration of new ministry."

The Ven Penny Sayer, Archdeacon of Sherborne, preached an inspiring and rousing sermon on ‘fruitfulness’ following the gospel reading from Mark about the kingdom of God – scattering the seed and bringing in the harvest. And the church was beautifully decorated on the theme of Harvest.

The children and young people at St Mary’s, who had all contributed to the process of finding the right person to be our Vicar, chose two of the worship songs for the service ‘My Lighthouse’ and ‘Our God is a great big God’.

Following the service there was a splendid buffet held in the school hall, with lots of chatting and mingling.

Revd Andy Muckle said:

"It was such a joyous occasion to begin our ministry amongst the lovely people of West Moors, surrounded by the support and prayers of so many friends and colleagues. From joyous hymns to dancing to worship songs it was a night we will always treasure as a family. We feel so blessed to be here!"

One visitor commented to Revd Andy that there was "An overall feeling of warmth and happiness radiated from your parishioners."

It was a truly happy and joyful occasion and the people of St Mary’s West Moors now look forward to a new chapter as together they work to ‘Renew Hope; Pray, Serve and Grow’.