Abbey News
Gloria Richards receives Royal Maundy money honour for service to community and the Church
On Thursday 6 April 2023, four people from the Diocese of Oxford were honoured with Royal Maundy gifts of specially minted coins by The King, in the Royal Maundy Service at York Minster, including Gloria Richards from our Dorchester Team church at Berinsfield.
Gloria Richards has been committed to the Christian faith and serving the Lord from a young age. Gloria married a Church Army officer and faithfully supported him as they were posted around the country whilst being a devoted mother to three adopted children. She recently celebrated her 85th birthday and continues her support of the Church Army as a Mission Community member. Gloria is very active in the Diocese of Oxford Mother’s Union, promoting the mission and ministry work of the organisation, supporting events and encouraging others to join. Local people say, “Gloria’s greatest gift is that of prayer, her prayer life of intercession for others is regular, committed and expectant” and that her “faith shines through her actions and is infectious.” Age does not hold Gloria back, she continues to support the local church and in recent years, she has taken on many roles at Berinsfield Church helping to lead worship, assisting with the Messy Church group, providing pastoral support to baptism families, and facilitating a monthly prayer link with the ‘Burning Bush’ Project in the Diocese of Kimberly and Kuruman, a Mission Partner of the Diocese of Oxford. You can find out more about the other Oxford Diocese recipients here
Revd Jane Willis Licensed as new Team Rector
We are delighted to welcome Revd Jane Willis as the new Rector of the Dorchester Team. At her licensing service on Tuesday, February 13th, Jane was warmly welcomed to the Abbey by her new congregation and many local dignitaries including Gavin, Bishop of Dorchester, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Tony Baldry and District and County Councillor Robin Bennett. We were also delighted to welcome members of Jane’s old congregation at Holy Trinity Hurstpierpoint to join us bellringing and singing. It was a service full of historic ceremony, local involvement and great music – an evening to remember!
Radio Oxford celebrate Christmas at Dorchester
Listen to the service here! (this link will only be available for 1 month)
A New Rector for Dorchester
The Revd Jane Willis has been appointed Team Rector of Dorchester and Vicar of Warborough in the Dorchester Team, which covers the ten parishes around Dorchester Abbey. Jane says;