As I write, I am making final preparations being ordained deacon on 2nd July, after
which I am very much looking forward to joining you as Curate and getting to
know the people of Wilden, Colmworth, Ravensden, Keysoe and Bolnhurst as we
journey together with God.
But who is this stranger wearing brand new clerical shirts, still stiff from their
packaging? While we are at it, what on earth is a Deacon or a Curate, and what is
he going to do here? To be fair, there isn’t much room to answer these questions
fully, and I am not sure I know myself, but I’ll make a stab. Over the coming
months, as you get to know me, I get to know you, and I get to know myself as
“Rev.” Anthony, we can refine and expand on these answers together.
Let’s start with the easy stuff: I grew up in Hertfordshire, worked in finance
(accounting and internal audit) for over 25 years, before training for ministry. I am
married to Lucy, who is a vicar in Bedford, and together we have three university
age children and a dog.
What about a Deacon? It is one of the three ‘orders’ of ministry (deacon, priest and
bishop). The word comes from the Greek for ‘servant’, from Jesus’ charge to his
disciples to be servants as he washed their feet. This time next year, after one year
as a deacon I will be ordained priest, but clergy never stop being a deacon, even if
they are ordained bishop. As a deacon, I can conduct funerals and baptisms,
preach, assist at Holy Communion, and lead services (though not consecrate the
bread and wine or pronounce God’s absolution or blessing until I am ordained
priest). Deacons are also called to serve the wider community, in the words of the
ordination service, ‘searching out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely and those
who are oppressed and powerless, reaching into the forgotten corners of the world,
that the love of God may be made visible.’
And finally, a Curate. The word comes from the responsibility for the “cure of
souls”, something which Tim received from the Bishop at his licensing as your
Priest-in-charge, and technically therefore I am only Assistant Curate. As a job, it’s
a bit like an apprenticeship. I’ve spent two years doing academic training for
ministry, and now, over the next three years, Tim will be continuing that training
with a more practical focus, training by doing. Then, God willing, after three years
of apprenticeship I will be signed off and qualified to become a Rector/ Vicar/
Priest-in-charge myself.
My journey to this point has been filled with blessing and joy and I am thrilled and
excited at the prospect of taking the next steps with all of you and with God.
“For all that has been, Thanks. For all that shall be, Yes!”
Anthony Davis
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