Parishes of Patrixbourne with Bridge, Bekesbourne,
Nackington and Lower Hardres

Diocese of Canterbury

 

The Licensing and Installation
of The Reverend Paul Filmer
as Priest-in-Charge

Tuesday 2 May 2000 at 7.30pm
St. Peter’s Church, Bridge

ABOUT THIS SERVICE

In earlier times a priest visited a bishop to be authorised (instituted), and travelled to
the parish to be put in (inducted) by the archdeacon. Institution and Induction or, as
on this occasion, Licensing and Installation, now come together in a single service in
which the congregation has its own important part. We are witnesses as our new
parish priest accepts the responsibilities of his ministry here, and we also accept and
affirm our part in Christ's ministry. Local leaders and neighbouring clergy of other
Christian traditions welcome the new arrival into the life of the community. Within
the service itself, the new priest begins his new ministry by leading the prayers.

The licensing of a priest to a parish, as distinct from an institution and induction as
rector or vicar, is increasingly in use where possible changes are coming about in the
pastoral situation of the parishes. Where a parish is in an area which might be
affected by changes in the ministry through reorganisation, presentation by the patron
of the living is suspended and the priest takes up his office by licence. This process is
as equally effective as institution and induction. It gives the priest-in-charge the same
responsibilities under the bishop as regards the affairs of the parish as if he were
rector or vicar.

The licensing is performed by the bishop or his commissary. He commends the "cure
of souls", the spiritual care ofthe people, to the new parish priest. The installation is
performed by the archdeacon, who entrusts to the new parish priest the
"temporalities" of the parish. These include responsibility, together with the parochial
church council and the churchwardens, for the church buildings and churchyards.

The section in this order of service entitled "The Promises of Priest and People" has
no historical or legal connection with institution or licensing. But it is appropriate
that, at the beginning ofa new ministry, the parish priest and the people ofthe
parish(es) should be reminded in a solemn way of their privileges and responsibilities.

In the time before the service, please pray for this parish or benefice, for its future life
and work, and for the new parish priest. Remember, too, that we in this place share in
the life of our diocese, and that other parishes are praying for us at this time.

THE PREPARATION The Parish Priest announces the final hymn, during which the clergy,
choir and other ministers leave the church, a procession forming up in
the same order as for the start of the service, except that the Bishop and
the Parish Priest walk side by side to symbolise their partnership in the
responsibility for the parishes.

Please stand for the opening hymn as the procession enters the church.

The Order of Procession

i . ) Hymn
‘ Cruclfirczlz-Irservers Forth in thy name, 0 Lord, I go,
i Readers my daily labour to pursue;
’ Visiting Clergy and Ministers thee: Only thee: Te501VCd '50 kn0Wa
‘ The Patron of St. Mary's Church, Lower Hardres and the Parish Priest in all I think 01‘ Speak 01‘ do.
designate
The Area Dean and the Lay Chairman of the Deanery Synod The task thy wisdom has assigned
The Archdeacon of Canterbury 0 let me cheerfully fulfil;
Th? C]7“’_chWa’de"S in all my works thy presence find,
The B’Sh"p '" Canterbury and prove thy good and perfect will.

The Bishop 's Chaplain

Thee may I set at my right hand,

Hymn _
whose eyes my mmost substance see,

All hail the pow’r oflesus’ name!

let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem

and crown him, crown him, crown him,
crown him Lord of all.

Crown him, ye martyrs of your God,
who from his altar call;
praise him whose way of pain ye trod,
and crown him, crown him, crown him,
crown him Lord of all.

Ye prophets who our freedom won,

ye searchers great and small,
by whom the work of truth is done,

now crown him, crown him, crown him,
crown him Lord of all.

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and labour on at thy command,
and offer all my works to thee.

Give me to bear thy easy yoke,

and ev’ry moment watch and pray,
and still to things eternal look,

and hasten to thy glorious day.

For thee delightfully employ

whate’er thy bounteous grace has giv’n,

and run my course with even joy,
and closely walk with thee to heav’n.

Everyone is welcome after the service to meet Paul and his family at the
Reception in The John Baker White Memorial Hall at Lower Hardres.

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Please sit

Anthem

Music: Bach/Harris

temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and
ever. Amen.

sung by the choir
King of Glory, King of Peace
Words: George Herbert

THE BLESSING AND DISMISSAL

Please kneel
Bishop:

All:

Bishop:

All:

We ask for God's blessing upon these parishes.

Bless our Parishes; inspire our worship; fill us
with your love; send us out, in the power of your
Spirit, to live and work to your praise and glory.
Amen.

God give you a vision of his love, faith to believe it,
and grace to fulfil it, and the blessing of God
Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be
among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Please stand for the dismissal

Priest:

All:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

In the name of Christ! Amen.

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Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race,

ye ransomed of the fall,
hail him who saves you by his grace,

and crown him, crown him, crown him,
crown him Lord of all.

Let ev’ry tribe and ev’ry tongue

to him their hearts enthrall;
lift high the universal song,

and crown him, crown him, crown him,
crown him Lord of all.

At the end of the hymn, please remain standing.

Bishop:

All:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The Bishop welcomes those who have gathered for the Service, after which he

says:

Bishop:

_ All:

We have come together as the family of God to welcome
Paul as your parish priest, to entrust to him the care of
souls in this place, and to pray for him and his family and
for all the people of God in these parishes.

Let us turn to God and seek his grace, that through his Son
Jesus Christ we may give ourselves afresh to his service.

God our Father, Lord of all the world, we thank you
that through your Son you have called us into the
fellowship of your universal Church; hear our prayer
for your faithful people, that in their vocation and
ministry each may be an instrument of your love; and

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give to your servant Paul, now to be licensed, the
needful gifts of grace; through our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Presentation

The Parish Priest designate stands before the Bishop. The Churchwardens
also stand before the Bishop, on either side.

Bishop:

Priest:

Bishop:

All:

Bishop:

People of God of these parishes, I present to you Paul
whom I have come to admit as your priest and pastor.

Paul’s name has been publicly made known, his character
and conduct commended to me. I have come to commend
Paul to you, to license Paul to these parishes, and tojoin
with you in prayer for God's blessing on his ministry and
yours.

Paul, before I license you to the care of souls in these
parishes, I ask you, in the presence of this congregation, if
you are willing to commit yourselfto this trust and
responsibility?

I am willing to do so, with the help of God.

People of these parishes, will you support and uphold Paul
in this ministry?

With God's help, we will.

I request Paul to make the Declaration and to take the
Oaths which are required by law.

Priest:

All:

Priest:

All:

Priest:

All:

Almighty God, you have made us members of Christ
and of his Church in these parishes.

May we as a congregation reach upwards to your
throne in worship and adoration; inwards to one another
in understanding and fellowship; and outwards to the
world in evangelism and social concern.

Make us a like a city set on a hill whose light cannot be
hidden, so that others may find Christ as the Light of the

world, and his Church as the family of the redeemed,-

and eternal life as the gift of God though Jesus Christ
our Lord.

Amen.

Lord God, you have taught us that we are members one
of another, and that none of us lives to himself alone.
We thank you for this community of which we are part;
for those who share with us in its activities, and for all
who serve its varied interests. Help us, as we have the
opportunity, to contribute towards its well—being, and to
learn to be good neighbours, that in love we may serve
one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen.
As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy
name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us. And lead us not into

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Sermon

Hymn

During the hymn a collection will be taken for the Diocesan Ministry
Training Fund, which is used to help those training for full-time ministry,
both lay and ordained.

The Right Reverend Stephen Venner, Bishop in
Canterbury

There is a Redeemer,
Jesus, God’s own Son,
precious Lamb of God,
Messiah, Holy One.
Thank you, 0 my Father,
for giving us your Son,
and leaving your Spirit
till the work on earth is done.

Jesus, my Redeemer,
name above all names,
precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
O for sinners slain.
Thank you, O my Father, 

When I stand in glory,
I will see his face,
and there I’ll serve my King for ever,
in that holy place.
Thank you, O my Father,

THE PRAYERS

Please kneel.

The Priest prays for himself and his people, saying:

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THE DECLARATION OF ASSENT

Please sit.

The Archdeacon comes from his place to the chancel step to read the Preface.

A rchdeacon:

Priest:

The Church of England is part of the One, Holy, Catholic,
and Apostolic Church worshipping the one true God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It professes the faith uniquely
revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the catholic
creeds, which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim
afresh in each generation. Led by the Holy Spirit, it has
borne witness to Christian truth in its historic formularies,
the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, the Book of Common
Prayer and the Ordering of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.
In the declaration you are about to make, will you affirm
your loyalty to this inheritance of faith as your inspiration
and guidance under God in bringing the grace and truth of
Christ to this generation and making him known to those in
your care?

1, Paul, do so affirm, and accordingly declare my belief in
the faith which is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set
forth in the catholic creeds and to which the historic
formularies of the Church of England bear witness; and in
public prayer and administration of the sacraments I will
use only the forms of service which are authorised or
allowed by Canon.

THE OATHS OF ALLEGIANCE AND CANONICAL

OBEDIENCE

Taking the Bible, the Priest makes the Oath of Allegiance, turning to face the

people, and saying:

Priest.‘

Then, turning to face the Bishop, the Priest makes the Oath of Canonical

Obedience:

1, Paul do swear that I will be faithful and bear true
allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her
heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.

I, Paul, do swear by Almighty God that I will pay true and
canonical obedience to the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury
and to his successors in all things lawful and honest. So

help me God.

The Priest then signs the Declaration and Oaths.

THE LICENSING

Bishop:

Dearly beloved, because the care of immortal souls, which
our blessed Lord and Saviour purchased with his own most
precious blood, is so solemn and weighty a thing, I now ask
you to join together with me in prayer to Almighty God, that
he will give this his servant grace to perform aright the duties
which belong to so sacred and grave a trust.

All kneel with the Bishop and sing:

Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,

and lighten with celestial fire;
thou the anointing Spirit art,

who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart.

’ Thy Blessed unction from above

is comfort, life and fire of love;
Enable with perpetual light
the dullness of our blinded sight.

Hymn

 

Thou, whose almighty word
chaos and darkness heard,

and took their flight;
hear us, we humbly pray,

and where the gospel day
sheds not its glorious ray,

let there be light.

Thou, who didst come to bring
on thy redeeming wing,
healing and sight,
health to the sick in mind,
sight to the inly blind,
0 now to all mankind
let there be light.

Spirit of truth and love,
life giving, holy Dove,
speed forth thy flight;
move on the water’s face,
bearing the lamp of grace,
and in earth’s darkest place
let there be light.

Holy and blessed Three,
glorious Trinity,
Wisdom, Love, Might;
boundless as ocean’s tide
rolling in fullest pride,
through the earth far and wide
let there be light.

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THE INSTALLATION Anoint and cheer our soiled face
with the abundance of thy grace:
keep far our foes, give peace at home;
Archdeacon: Paul, l place you in the stall ofthe priest ofthis parish. May Where tho“ 3“ guide “0 ill 93" Come-

God's blessing rest upon you, and upon all your ministry
here.

People of these parishes, I commend to you your new Parish
Priest. Will you care for Paul and his family, encourage Paul
in his faith, and support Paul in his ministry?

Teach us to know the Father, Son,
and thee, of both to be but one;

that through the ages all along
this may be our endless song:

‘Praise to thy eternal merit,

All: With God's help, we will. Father, Son and Holy Spirit‘. Amen
Please stand.
T E WEL ME
H l C0 l The Priest kneels be ore the Bishop, and takes hold of one end of the legal
Pl , document. The Bishop reads aloud from the document and then, clasping the
ease SH‘ hands of the Priest, says these words:
The/t’ollowing will welcome the new Parish Priest, who stands to receive their Bishop: Receive this cure Ofsouls which is both mine and yours; in
f~””°"“”f~"~' I fl at d fl d fl—Hl
John Anderson, ‘Churchwarden, Patrixbourne with Bridge. rliltame 0 he finer’ an 0 he Son’ an 0 he 0 y
Ian Chandler, Lay Chairman, East Bridge Deanery Synod. '
Anna Newton, Headteacher, Bridge CEP School. A”_ Amen

The Revd. David Marshall, Superintendent of the Methodist Church,
North East Kent Circuit.

John Ash, Chairman, Bekesbourne with Patrixbourne Parish Council.
Bill Oakey, Councillor, Canterbury City Council.

Maggie Field, Divisional Commissioner, Guides Association.

The Bishop blesses the new Parish Priest.‘

Bishop: The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, give you vision,
courage and love to do his will; and the blessing of God
Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon
you and remain with you always.

At the end of the greetings, the Parish Priest replies.

When all have returned to their places, the Parish Priest announces the services

for the following Sunday, and gives any other necessary notices. A ,1: Amen.

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Hymn
O thou who camest from above
the fire celestial to impart,
kindle a flame of sacred love
on the mean altar of my heart.

There let it for thy glory burn
with inextinguishable blaze,
and trembling to its source return
in humble prayer and fervent praise.

Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire
to work and speak and think for thee;
still let me guard the holy fire
and still stir up the gift in me.

Ready for all thy perfect will,
my acts of faith and love repeat,

till death thy endless mercies seal,
and make the sacrifice complete.

The Bishop goes to his chair in the sanctuary.

THE START OF THE NEW MINISTRY

During the hymn, a procession forms and moves to the main door of the church:

The Churchwardens
The Parish Priest

The Area Dean and the Lay Chairman
The Archdeacon

Please remain standing, and turn to face the main door.

Archdeacon:

Priest:

Churchwarden of
Patrixbourne with
Bridge:

All:

Bishop:

All:

Paul, it is your duty to be conscientious and reverent in the
ordering of public worship; to lead the people in thanksgiving
and prayer; to say Morning and Evening Prayer daily for the
parish; and to celebrate regularly the Holy Communion of
Christ's Body and Blood. Will you do these things gladly and
willingly?

With God's help, I will.

The Church is called to share the life of Christ through Word,
Sacrament and Prayer. It is every member's privilege and joy
to be diligent in private prayer and in Bible reading day by
day, to attend Christian worship week by week, to receive the
Holy Communion faithfully and regularly, and to give
generously for the work of the parish and diocese, and for the
mission of the Church at home and overseas. People of God
in this place, will you each be faithful to this Christian
calling?

With God's help, we will.

Churchwardens, church councillors, and people of these
parishes, I charge you to care for each other, to work with
your priest, with Christians of other Churches, and with all
people of goodwill as disciples of the kingdom of God. Will
you dedicate yourselves afresh to this calling?

With God's help, we will.

Remember, 0 Lord, what you have wrought in us, and
not what we deserve; and as you have called us to your
service, make us worthy of that calling; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

13

 

Priest:

Churchwarden of
Lower Hardres:

All:

committed to his charge and help them to grow strong in
grace so that they are able to pass on the Good News to
others also. Will you do these things gladly and willingly?

With God's help, I will.

People ofGod, it is our Christian calling to hear and receive
the word of the Lord; to seek through prayer and service to
grow in faith; and to live in harmony with one another. Will
you, through regular prayer and the study of the Scriptures,
seek daily to fashion your lives according to the example and
will of Christ?

With God's help, we will.

The procession moves to the Sanctuary to join the Bishop. All sing these verses:

Tell of his reign at God's right hand,
by all creation glorified.

He sends his Spirit on his Church
to live for him, the Lamb who died.

Now we rejoice to name him King:
Jesus is Lord of all the earth.

This gospel message we proclaim:
we sing his glory, tell his worth.

The Call to Worship

Lay Chairman:

Jesus said to his disciples, "Dwell in me, as I in you. No
branch can bear fruit by itself, but only if it remains united
with the vine; no more can you bear fruit, unless you remain
united with me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who
dwells in me, as I dwell in him, bears much fruit; for apart

from me you can do nothing"
(John 15, 4-5)

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The Archdeacon, clasping the hand of the Priest, says:

Archdeacon:

All:

Paul, you are now the priest of these parishes.
The Lord guard and guide you in his service; the Lord
preserve your going out and your coming in», from this time

forth for evermore.

Amen.

The procession moves to where the Bells are hung. The Priest tolls a bell
announcing the start of his ministry.

THE PROMISES OF PRIEST AND PEOPLE

The procession turns to the Font.

The Call to Witness

Area Dean:

Archdeacon:

Priest.‘

Jesus said: “Full authority in heaven and on earth has been
committed to me. Go, then, to all people everywhere and
make them my disciples. Baptise them in the name of the
Father, and ofthe Son, and ofthe Holy Spirit, and teach them
to obey all that I have commanded you. And remember, lam

with you always, to the end of the age”.
(Matt. 28, 19-20)

Paul, it is the task of the parish priest to show what it means
to live under the authority of Christ; to make disciples and
care for them; to baptise them into new life in Christ and to
teach and train them for the Kingdom. Will you do these
things gladly and willingly?

With God's help, I will.

Churchwarden of
Nackington:

All:

People ofGod, it is ourtask to witnessjoyfully to the love of
God who has made us his own in faith and baptism. Will you
tell others your story of faith in order to help them know and
receive this love?

With God's help, we will.

The procession moves to the nave or body of the church, during the singing of

these verses:

We have a gospel to proclaim,

good news for men in all the earth;
the gospel of a Saviour's name:

we sing his glory, tell his worth.

Tell of his birth at Bethlehem
not in a royal house or hall
but in a stable dark and dim,
the Word made flesh, a light for all.

The Call to Service

Lay Chairman.‘

Archdeacon:

And these were His gifts: some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip God's
people for work in His service, to the building up ofthe body
of Christ. So shall we all at last attain to the unity inherent in
our faith and our knowledge of the Son of God, to mature
manhood, measured by nothing less than the full stature of
Christ.

(Eph. 4. 11-13)

Paul, it is the calling of the parish priest to see that all God's
people are equipped for the ministries to which God calls
them. He should help them to recognise the gifts that the Holy
Spirit gives, so that together they fulfil Christ's purpose for
the whole of their lives. Will you do these things gladly and
willingly? '

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Priest: With God's help, I will.

Churchwarden of

Bekesbourne: The Church is called in the power of the Spirit to continue

Christ's ministry in the world today. It is the calling of every
Christian to follow the example of Christ in work and leisure,
and in home and family life, seeking his will, and living to his
glory. Will you therefore work together with all who seek to
serve this community for Christ's sake?

All: With God's help, we will.
The procession moves to the Chancel Step, during the singing of these verses:

Tell of his death at Calvary,
hated by those he came to save,

in lonely suffering on the Cross
for all he loved his life he gave.

Tell of that glorious Easter morn
empty the tomb, for he was free.

He broke the power of death and hell
that we might share his victory.

The Call to Prayer

The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,
which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and
minds in Christ Jesus.

Area Dean:

(Philippians, 4, 57)

Archdeacon: Paul, it is the calling of the parish priest tobe faithful in
prayer and in the study of the Scriptures, and to grow in his

relationship with God; to teach the Christian faith to all

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