The Licensing and Installation of Rev’d Canon Eileen Harrop for Staindrop & Ingleton

Sunday 4th December marked a new season in more ways than one

As the beginning of the Advent season coincided with a change in Rev’d Eileen’s responsibilities which now include St John the Evangelist, Ingleton and St Mary’s, Staindrop.

The morning began with a brief act of installation and welcome at St John the Evangelist, Ingleton. The community gave a warm and eager welcome, supported by parishioners of Gainford and Winston and helped on by senior clergy and colleagues. Archdeacon Rick Simpson and Area Dean Alec Harding accompanied Bishop Sarah of Jarrow who presided over the service to make Rev’d Eileen Priest in Charge for Ingleton and Staindrop.

A new season has begun for the parishes and with everyone sharing and inspiring one another it is an exciting time to be part of our local churches. Bishop Sarah commented:

“It was with great pleasure that I licensed Revd Canon Eileen Harrop as Priest-in-Charge of Ingleton St John with Staindrop St Mary, which she will hold in plurality with the Benefice of Gainford and Winston. It was a splendid occasion with Eileen warmly welcomed by the people and communities of Ingleton and Staindrop and by their Patron Lord Barnard. Eileen and the people of St John’s and St Mary’s were well supported by the people of Gainford and Winston. There was a clear sense of hope and unity amongst the congregation. Using a lyric from a song we sang that morning I called for each community, each person to ‘dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew’ as they walk into God’s future together. My thanks goes to all who helped make it such a special morning.”

The churches all have their own distinct character, communities and history – with St Mary’s, Gainford recently being designated a pioneer in development of youth ministry alongside being the start point of ‘The Way of Life’ multi-day pilgrimage route which ends at Durham Cathedral.   St Andrew’s being a church with rich connection to the natural world both in physical position and in the developing links with our local outdoor conservation trusts joins St John’s, Ingleton and St Mary’s, Staindrop which have those pilgrimage links also.

Rev’d Canon Eileen Harrop was keen to mention these common themes and links between our parishes as she commented on her installation and licensing:

“Members of the Church family have been brought together. The close and special relationships nurtured in Winston St Andrew and Gainford St Mary will now grow into new relationships with the officers and parionshioners of Ingleton St John the Evangelist and Staindrop St Mary.

There’s an understandable sense of loss for some, alongside the excitement and eagerness of others. God calls on us to look at Jesus’ example whose word is good, who assured his disciples that he is with them even when not there in person because of the ever-present breath and life of the Holy Spirit. In this way, we shall flourish unhindered and bless one another and our communities in Jesus’s name. Everything that is treasured about our faith and fellowship will be blessed when together we pray and place our confidence in God.

There shall be services every Sunday at Winston, Staindrop, and Gainford, and on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in Ingleton. Service times are being considered to enable Eileen and clerical colleagues to minister at as many services as possible. The Revd Susanne Jukes and senior priests including Area Dean Canon Alec Harding, the Bishop’s Chaplain Canon Dr Chris Knights, Revd Dr Alastair Prince, and Canon Dr Alan Bartlett will become familiar faces to all 4 parishes. Experienced lay leaders will enhance worship, regularly taking Services of the Word in their parishes.

Innovative ministry as well as pastoral care will be active during the week both in schools and in the community. 3 of our churches are pilgrim churches while one has a rich history with the Raby estate as a sanctuary for pilgrims.

This new season for our 4 parishes will testify to the visible life of faith of the whole people of God.”

The occasion was accompanied by a buffet lunch as those attending St Mary’s, Staindrop welcomed the change of incumbency and looked to future opportunities. Sarah Fells, Parochial Church Council Chair for St Mary’s, Staindrop was keen to look to the future:

“Very happy and relieved that Eileen has come to walk with us and guide us on our pilgrimage in Staindrop. It has come at a time when I feel ready to take; not just the next step, but a leap on my journey in faith. I am excited and pensive in equal measure but will support Eileen, with God’s help, to nurture and the pilgrims walking now and those yet to walk with us.”

We are all excited to see what this change will sow for the future, and congratulations to Rev’d Eileen on her new responsibilities.