The Bishop of Stockport, Sam Corley has marked the start of Advent with an interview on BBC Radio Manchester.
Speaking to Mike Shaft, Bishop Sam said that Advent is the start of the Christian New Year and a time of introspection and reflecting on who is to come at Christmas. He said: "It's a wintery season as we focus on the reality of life and our need for God."
He also talked of what he has experienced whilst meeting people around the diocese in the first few months of his episcopal ministry and said that his role as a bishop is "always about people" and to "encourage and link people up."
He recently met Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, at a prayer meeting organised by the Mayor of Stokport, who is also a Christian.
Bishop Sam also told Mike about his own journey to faith and said that he wanted to be a vicar from as young as four.
Listen to the interview below.
Is God calling you to be a vicar? Or maybe even a bishop!
The flagship diocesan vocations day, Called to Serve, will take place on Saturday 29 January 2022. Fifty places are available to individuals who want to find out more about the different ministries, both lay and ordained, that are available in the Church.
