Over the summer the new Bishops of Birkenhead and Stockport have spent time moving and settling into the diocese. Julie and Sam have both now taken up their respective ministries.
Julie's first public engagement as the Bishop of Birkenhead was on Sunday 5 September. She attended the induction of the Revd Geoff Felton as the new Moderator of URC Mersey Synod.
Later that day she accompanied Bishop Mark and Archdeacon Mike to the licensing and installation of the Revd Joe Smith as Priest-in-Charge of the parish of Bidston St Oswald.
Commenting on Twitter, in response to a post from Bishop Mark, Bishop Julie said: "This was delightful - and went rather well …. I can see I will have to get used to @Northern_Bishop selfies!"
This was delightful - and went rather well …. I can see I will have to get used to @Northern_Bishop selfies! https://t.co/QLwz0Mn4KX
— Julie Conalty (@BirkenheadBish) September 5, 2021
For Sam, his first parish visit as the Bishop of Stockport was to St Matthew's, Stretton for a united service with St Cross, Appleton Thorn on Sunday 5 September.
He preached and celebrated the eucharist for a service that was also live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page. Readings and prayers were contributed by a team of people, some in church, some from home via Zoom.
The Revd Alan Jewell, Vicar of St Matthew's, Stretton, said: "Bishop Sam was also the first visitor to be offered a cup of coffee from the church’s new kitchen, which, while not yet officially open, was used for the first time on Sunday. Those who attended the service in person, and those who joined online, were very grateful to Bishop Sam for his ministry."
Sam and Julie were welcomed and installed at Chester Cathedral on Sunday 5 September in a service that was streamed online.
Follow the new episcopal team on Twitter
Bishop of Chester on Twitter: @Northern_Bishop
Bishop of Birkenhead on Twitter: @BirkenheadBish
Bishop of Stockport on Twitter: @SamCorley10