The LWPT National Advocate
for 2015/2016
Over the final weekend in September, I returned to Minehead, after 30 years. This is where I began my church
ministry as a curate. This time, I was here to celebrate the tenth anniversary of LWPT and to be commissioned
as their ninth National Advocate. The sun shone throughout the weekend and I met a host of wonderful
people: some new to me, some from the past.
In the marquee on the lawn of Minehead Westerley, we celebrated with the help of the Occasional Singers,
who entertained. LWPT trustee David Greet, reminded us of the ten years LWPT had existed. Then, in true
West-Country style, we shared in a cream tea. A highlight of the day was watching the new promotional film
explaining the work of LWPT today. This is now available for all to view on lwpt.org.uk.
On Sunday, we were ferried by a fleet of taxis to St Michael’s Church for my induction service, in the presence
of several church and civil dignitaries. The music for the service was provided by Minehead Brass Band and a
pianist. It was a highly charged, emotional time for me and for many others who faithfully served in various
capacities in LWPT and LPMA. At the heart of the service, I received the LWPT stole from Jenny Benfield
(National Advocate 2014/2015), signed the President’s Bible from 1849 and received a new bible of my own.
Back in the marquee at Westerley, to the music of a local jazz band, we shared a sumptuous buffet supplied by
Westerley staff. This was a precious time to connect with past parishioners and to meet new friends in the life
of LWPT. I was overwhelmed by the sense of love and support that I was receiving at the beginning of my new
ministry. Conscious of the other 155 signatures in the President’s Bible, I felt very appreciative of the faithfulness
of the God in whose service we are. His is the purpose and His are the resources we have to enable us.
Thank you to all who were present and to all who remembered me in prayer. I look forward to meeting many
more of the LWPT family as I fulfil my year as National Advocate. Do le Ё