Blacon's new Vicar: Tina Upton

Took part in 'The Institution and Induction of Christina Phoebe Upton' this evening. She is the new vicar of ‘Holy Trinity Without the Walls’, the Blacon Anglican Church. I took part as a member of the congregation and of the parish. We were asked by the Bishop if we would support Tina as she ministers in her new role as vicar.... we all said, ‘yes’, we would.

I’ve never been to an Anglican Induction before. It’s quite an occasion. Lots of vicars in their frocks, church leaders like me in their civvies, the Sheriff of Chester (who also happens to be a Blacon resident and Councillor), all to welcome and witness Tina’s arrival in church office.

The Rev Christine Davies from the Blacon URC welcomed Tina on behalf of the other Blacon churches. As the leader of one of those churches I hope Tina will be joining our Blacon and Saughall Churches Together group. It has great potential...

As well as the customary sermon and hymns the service is packed with ritual and ceremonial symbolism – something the Anglican church is really good at. There is the handing of a Bible to Tina by a member of the congregation, a procession to the font and where she pours in the water, a procession to the church door where she is given the keys and the church bells are rung. Like a wedding service she has to make vows and sign a book.

She seems like a nice person, lots of smiles and animation in her voice. Her first job is to read this week’s church notices, which she did with verve and humour. Her husband took part in the service too. He read a poem about what it will be like when Jesus comes back to earth. I’m not sure exactly why but it seemed a bit odd. I think I like him.

I’ve met the last three vicars of HTwtW’s – all men. I’m not sure but Tina could be the first woman vicar they’ve had. That in itself is an interesting dynamic for 2012. As we all left the church we shook hands with the Bishop and the new vicar at the church door. That’s when I met Tina properly for the first time and introduced myself. She said she’d heard about our cafe and was looking forward to meeting Aliss as well. That was nice. I think Tina's arrival is a timely one and we all look forward to the changes she is going to ring in.