THE COMMISSIONING OF THE REVD CANON SIMON WARD AS RURAL DEAN AND THE REVD DR STEVEN SIVYER AS ASSISTANT RURAL DEAN OF GREAT YARMOUTH DEANERY

Bishop: God our Father, Lord of all the world, through your Son you have called us into the fellowship of your universal Church: hear our prayer for your faithful people that in their vocation and ministry each may be an instrument of your love; and give to your servant now to be commissioned the needful gifts of grace; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. All: Amen.

THE PRESENTATION

The Lay Chair presents the Rural Dean and Assistant Rural Dean to the Bishop, saying;

Right Reverend Father in God, I present to you Simon Ward to be commissioned as Rural Dean and Steven Sivyer to be commissioned as Assistant Rural Dean of Great Yarmouth Deanery.

Bishop: From early times bishops have chosen respected and faithful priests to share with them in the pastoral care of the clergy and the general oversight of the parishes. After seeking the advice of the clergy and lay leaders of this Deanery, Simon and Steven have been chosen to undertake this ministry among you as your Rural Dean and Assistant Rural Dean.

People of God, before I commission Simon as your Rural Dean and Steven as your Assistant Rural Dean, I ask; do you receive and welcome them to serve among you? All: We do.

Bishop: In their duties, Simon and Steven will need the loyalty and love of you all. Will you support and uphold them with your prayers? All: We will.

THE BISHOP’S CHARGE

The Bishop charges the Rural Dean designate and Assistant Rural Dean designate with their duties to the Deanery and the Diocese.

Bishop: Will you care for the people of this Deanery, offering your encouragement, support and friendship for the welfare and witness of God’s Church?

Rural Dean and With the help of God, we will. Assistant Rural 2

Dean:

Bishop: Will you promote fellowship and mutual responsibility among the clergy and lay workers of this Deanery, so that, empowered by God, their gifts may be exercised and their needs recognised?

Rural Dean and With the help of God, we will. Assistant Rural Dean:

Bishop: Will you work and pray with faith and imagination alongside those who hold office in this Deanery to take forward the mission of the Church and strengthen our common life?

Rural Dean and With the help of God, we will. Assistant Rural Dean:

Bishop: Together with other Rural Deans, the Archdeacons, Bishops and officers of this Diocese, will you keep before you the vision of the Church as the Body of Christ and work with those of all traditions for the unity of God’s people in this Deanery and Diocese?

Rural Dean and With the help of God, I will. Assistant Rural Dean:

Bishop: May God who has given you the will to undertake all these things give you also the strength to

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perform them, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

THE COMMISSIONING

The Bishop leads the congregation in prayer and then reads the Commission;

Bishop: Simon, I commission you as Rural Dean and Steven, I commission you as Assistant Rural Dean of the Great Yarmouth Deanery. Receive this charge which is both yours and mine in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen.

The Lay Chair then joins the new Rural Dean and Assistant Rural Dean. The Bishop says;

Bishop: David, I thank you for your faithful ministry as Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod. Will you continue this ministry in partnership with Simon and Steven, to the honour of God and the benefit of His Church?

Lay Chair: With the help of God, I will.

The Bishop blesses the Rural Deans and Lay Chair with these words:

Bishop: Blessed are you, gracious God, our creator and redeemer. In every age you call people to minister in your name. May the work of your servants so build your Church, that all your people may faithfully serve you and show your love in all the world through Christ our Lord. 4

All: Amen.

Bishop: May the Lord enable and uphold you in His ministry; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, rest upon you and remain with you always. All: Amen.

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