During July, special church services have been held to welcome in new Churchwardens into the Diocese of Norwich, alongside Churchwardens who have served for many years.
A Churchwarden is an officer of the bishop and they swear an oath to share responsibility in caring for their parish church along with their clergy. They are all volunteers and play a key role in the day to day running of an Anglican church.
To find out more about this role within the Diocese of Norwich, go to: Churchwardens – Diocese of Norwich.
Joy in Fakenham
This week saw members of church communities throughout the diocese filing into Fakenham Parish Church for an Admission of Churchwardens service led by the Archdeacon of Lynn, the Venerable Catherine Dobson.
There was no pew space in sight as an uplifting service brought together many of our region’s churchwardens to swear an oath of care for their respective churches.
Also in attendance were dozens more people keen to show their appreciation for the vital duties churchwardens carry out on a daily basis.
Reflecting on a joyous evening, the Archdeacon of Lynn, the Venerable Catherine Dobson, said:
“The Admission of Churchwardens service is one of my favourite times in my role as Archdeacon. The service in Fakenham was the second of three services held across this archdeaconry and services were also held in the Archdeaconries of Norfolk and Norwich.
“Last year we held the services in rural churches, and this year the market towns of Sheringham, Fakenham and Swaffham have kindly hosted us.
“Bishop Graham talks about Churchwardens as the ‘unsung heroes of the Church of England’ and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate and thank Churchwardens for all they do and bring to the life of the parishes.
“I am also delighted that the Lynn Archdeaconry welcomes 21 new churchwardens this year, including one in his thirties.
“Our Churches exist to point people towards God, so that all may discover the joy of the love of Christ deep within their hearts. We are there to be endlessly enthusiastic people of hope, as we seek to be transformed by Christ and our Churchwardens, working together with the clergy of their parish, are a key part of leadership and setting the culture.”
The images below are from Fakenham, with over 140 representatives from churches across the Diocese in attendance:
