Bishop Mark Tanner began his public ministry as the Bishop of Chester on Sunday 20 September.
The service of welcome for the new bishop had to be altered to conform with the coronavirus restrictions. This meant just 30 people were able to attend and witness the beginning of Bishop Mark's ministry.
On a bright autumnal day, with the sun illuminating in multi-coloured splendour the almost empty nave, the scene was set for the special occasion.
Bishop Mark stands on the threshold of the West Door and prays a blessing over the city, county, and diocese.
Bishop Mark processed formally through the cathedral into the Quire with prayers at the door, the font, and the nave platform. He paused at the cathedra and reflected on the consequences of coronavirus before sitting with the College of Canons and Choir for Evensong.
At the end of Evensong, Bishop Mark received the Melanesian Crozier at the High Altar and delivered a sermon to the 30 people in physical attendance and the hundreds of others watching online.
Bishop Mark brought the service to a close by praying a blessing over the city, county, and diocese.
Crozier Service, 20 September 2020
- Watch a recording of the service
- Download the Order of Service
- See a selection of photographs from the service on Facebook
- Listen to Bishop Mark speak with BBC Radio Merseyside ahead of the service (listen from 1:23:30)
In his sermon, Bishop Mark reflected on life's struggles and reminded us that people have worshipped at Chester Cathedral for centuries and have continually brought their burdens before God as "the one still peaceful point of calm in the midst of the storm."
"I can not tell you what the future holds, but, as the hymn writers put it, I can tell you who holds the future. And I can tell you that if we resolve even here and now, that, at this phase, indeed for every day of the life of this diocese, we will look in two directions: at Christ and at the lost.
"He will shape and form us, that we continue to be his beautiful bride, ever fit for purpose however the world might change around us. Looking at Christ, in order that daily, as we feed on his word and join together in worship, we are shaped in his image and filled with love which goes far beyond our human capacity.
"As we partner with people and agencies of peace and seek to serve those around us, particularly focusing on those who are most vulnerable, those who are abandoned and abused, overlooked and oppressed, we will find, that, as we serve them, we serve Christ, and that we are always shaped for relevant mission in this world.
"We look at Christ and we look at the lost because that is what Christ himself did: 'I did not come for those who are well, I came for the sick'"
Click below to watch Bishop Mark's sermon in full on YouTube. It begins at 56:00.
