On Saturday July 22nd Horton was privileged to host the consecration of our Minister, Sr Claire Maxwell, as Presbyter. Claire has only been with us and Lower Wyke for a short time but she has made her mark and we feel fortunate indeed to have her, her husband Steve and their two children, Phoebe and Zachary, in our congregations.

On the day many Moravians, members of Claire's and Steve's families and friends filled our little church. For those unable to attend the service (there was a rail strike called on that day) Sr Roberta Hoey, seated in the Baptistry, was able to film the proceedings on Zoom allowing other Moravians from around the world to augment the congregation of about 100.

The service began with a procession through the church of all attending ministers. Three Bishops took their places at the Communion Table and Sr Claire sat with her family at the front. The liturgy was led by Br Joachim with Br John and Sr Sarah taking their parts in the proceedings. Br Peter Gubi, who had taken over Sr Claire's supervision on the death of Br Paul Holdsworth, delivered the sermon which was about Grace, a gift given to Claire from God in abundance. Once the vows had been given, hands laid upon Sr Claire's head and the Bible presented by two representatives of Horton and Lower Wyke committees, Sr Claire was given the right hand of fellowship by all serving and retired ministers, the Church Committees and invited local ecumenical partners.

At the end of the service everyone was invited to partake in a splendid banquet set out in the Sunday School rooms. Thanks must go to Sr Liz Wood for organising the refreshments and to the Horton sisters and brothers for serving them. After everyone had been fed, as in the story of the Feeding of the 5000, there was so much food left over that many baskets of food went home with the partakers of the feast.

Sr Claire felt it was a very special day and a wonderful affirmation of her Ordination in lockdown at Fetter Lane.

Sr Maureen Colbert
Horton Congregation