Children prepare Bishop Stephen for his Installation

A packed Ely St Mary's

Praying for the Bishop

Around 200 children and accompanying adults packed into St Mary’s Church in Ely on Saturday 5th March to help prepare Bishop Stephen for his ministry as the 69th Bishop of Ely. It was a moving occasion as the children ministered to the Bishop and adults, as well as to one another.

Julia Chamberlin, the Diocesan Children’s Adviser, introduced Bishop Stephen to the children and then asked him about his life and Christian journey.  The children listened intently as they heard him speak of God’s work in his life, in leading and teaching him. Julia says “As the interview drew out significant moments in Bishop Stephen's life - it reminded us that we all have a story to tell and this is part of his story. The reading from Jeremiah 1:4-8 reinforced the truth that God knows each of us and has purposes and plans for us all. As the children read the words they were to be a reassurance of that to us all, but particularly for Bishop Stephen.”

Presenting the Bishop with his Mitre

The Diocesan Crosier, Bishop’s Pectoral Cross and Mitre were then presented to Bishop Stephen and their significance was explained by some of the children.

Six children then gathered around the Bishop and read Psalm 23 as a prayer over him.

The Mitre, being a symbol of the Holy Spirit, was illustrated further by each child receiving a toy windmill.  It was explained to the children that the Holy Spirit is often spoken of as the breath of God, or as wind.  So the windmills helped them understand that although they cannot see the wind they can feel it and see its effect and the same is true of the Holy Spirit

The windmills were used during a time of prayer which, with over 250 windmills being blown, really helped the children focus on the symbolism. They then sang ‘Breathe on me Spirit of Jesus’.

Following the prayers, glow-bracelets were given to all. These were to symbolise Jesus’ words  'I am the light of the world.'  Also, to remind the children that Jesus is always with them and that they are to be his light wherever they go. The children placed a glow-bracelet on the arm of each adult, including Bishop Stephen, and blessed them. The adults then reciprocated the blessing for the children.

Luke, a representative of the Diocesan Youth Council, led the children in a prayer over the entire congregation. Bishop Stephen then prayed a blessing over all.

Placing glow-bands on all

Following an enthusiastic final song ‘Shine’, complete with actions, the children led Bishop Stephen to the Cathedral Green in a joyful procession with musical instruments and bubbles. The bubbles symbolised prayers rising to God and surrounding the new Bishop, physically, as well as spiritually.

On reaching Cathedral Green, 15 white doves were released. The doves representing the Holy Spirit as an important Christian symbol.

The formal part of the Bishop’s Installation then commenced in the cathedral while the children and their parents and carers returned to St Mary’s Church where they enjoyed refreshments and specially baked biscuits for the occasion.

Releasing doves on the Cathedral Green

Photos © Phil Sharkey