Images
Vicky's Ordination
On Sunday July 1st 2018, our minister, Rev'd. Vicky Atkins was ordained in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Ben Rhydding Methodist Church commissioned the making of a stole for Vicky as an ordination gift from the church. The stole was handmade by one of the members, Jennifer Solomon, with some fabulous hand embroidery (see pictures).
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Vicky was presented with the stole by Rev'd. Dr. Liz Smith, (Ex-Chair of the Leeds District) on Pentecost Sunday which was also the chapel anniversary.
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Many of our church members made their way to Ashbourne to share in the service and support Vicky on this special occasion.
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Revd. Vicky said "I am looking forward to my first Sunday leading Holy Communion at Ben Rhydding and wearing my Stole." "It was a great occasion at Ashbourne with lovely folk from Ben Rhydding supporting me."
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Vicky and some of our members after the service
Vicky and her mentor and supporting minister Revd. Barry Lotz
Rev'd. Dr Liz Smith, Rev'd. Vicky Atkins & Jennifer Solomon
Detail of fine embroidery on Vicky's stole
Rev'd. Dr Liz Smith & Vicky share a moment after the service
October 2016
A double celebration took place at Ben Rhydding Methodist church recently.
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Its Harvest Festival was celebrated in a service conducted by the Rev Vicky Atkins and at the end of the service the congregation assembled outside the church for the dedication of new glass entrance doors.
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These have replaced the former solid but rather forbidding wooden doors and passers-by now have a view across the rear area of the church to one of the outstanding features of its interior, a fine stain-glassed window depicting the Parable of the Sower. This was designed by the distinguished Arts and Crafts artist Harry Stammer whose work is to be found in cathedrals and churches across the country.
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A notable feature of the doors are its handles. These were first modelled and carved in wood by church member Peter Bastow before then being cast in bronze. Their design symbolises the flames of the Holy Spirit.
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In the service the Rev Atkins based her address on the Parable of the Sower and money was appropriately donated to Christian Aid's current campaign to provide drought resistant seeds for farmers in Kenya.
