Following the ordination of fourteen new priests across our diocese, some presided over a church service for the first time as priests.
One of those was the Revd June Cockburn who was ordained priest at Leeds Minster and presided in the open air at Upper Armley, where she will be serving as curate.
Christ Church Upper Armley is currently having all it’s ‘in person’ services outdoors when the weather allows. This enables more to attend, along with socially distanced singing, picnic blankets and space for children to relax and bring their pets to church.
June said, "It was an honour to be able to preside for the first time. It was lovely to see everyone participating and I look forward to what ministry here will bring."
The size of the congregation is about thirty percent larger for outdoor services each week, and people walking have come and joined in too. It began with an outdoor Easter dawn service and is going to be trialled during the summer as well.
Revd Phil Arnold, vicar at Christ Church, said, "Worshipping outside is both practical and one way of taking church into the community: literally. People watch from their front gardens and windows, as well as walking by. We love the opportunity to worship outdoors, breaking down barriers as we do it.’
Christ Church will be online at 9am and outside at 10:30 am this Sunday.