January 18th marks an exciting new era in the parish. Rev’d Sylvia Earle will be licenced by Rt Rev’d John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds as
Priest in Charge of Collingham with Harewood & Spofforth with Kirk Deigton.
The service will be held in All Saints Spofforth, because this is the largest church in the combined parishes. Unfortunately space will still be in short supply so attendance will be by invitation only. St Oswald’s Music Group and Collingham with Harewood School Choir have been invited to take part in the service together with representatives of many of the organisations in the community.
Sylvia has been appointed to run the six churches and chapels of the combined parishes, working with Rev’d Myra Shackley who lives in the Rectory at Spofforth.
This arrangement will allow all the churches to share and benefit from each other’s expertise - with the enthusiasm which can come from bigger initiatives and new ideas.
Because Sylvia will take services in the other churches, St Oswald’s and Harewood Chapel will enjoy visits from other clergy, which will continue the variety of worship styles which we have enjoyed during the interregnum.
The PCC and Churchwardens are looking forward to Sylvia’s arrival and know that you will make her feel very welcome as she starts her ministry here.
The Churchwardens