Hambleton Evangelical Church

Pic (l to r): Steve Harding, Andrew Davies, Geraint Davies, Richard Wigham, Noel Ramsey, Victor Matthews

Thirsk Rural Business Centre is usually accustomed to housing farmers and livestock, but on 22 September it was the venue for the induction service of Rev. Richard Wigham as the new minister of Hambleton Evangelical Church. The usual church building in Carlton Miniott would have been unable to cater for the 200 who attended.
   It was a great encouragement to the new pastor and congregation to have so many friends and family present and to experience the love and support of many local churches.
   We also had the privilege of welcoming members of Tabor Baptist Church, Llantrisant, where Mr Wigham and his wife, Pam, have laboured for the Lord for nearly 30 years.
   From the beginning, the service was a joyful celebration of how the Lord had brought people and pastor together.
   A brief explanation was given of Mr Wigham’s call to Hambleton, followed by a word of warm commendation from Victor Matthews, a deacon of Tabor. It was good to hear how, although the church was saddened by Mr Wigham’s move, they supported his decision wholeheartedly and would be prayerfully following his new ministry.
   Mr Wigham responded by sharing his and his wife’s conviction that the Lord had led them to Hambleton and how circumstances around the move had demonstrated the Lord’s overruling. Originally from the North East, he said that he was coming back to his roots and looking forward to ministering in Thirsk.
   Andrew Davies, from Newport, preached from Colossians 1 and reminded us of three key things: a minister is a servant of Jesus Christ, a minister of the gospel and minister of the church.
   The formalities concluded with the hymn, ‘Facing a task unfinished that drives us to our knees’, and our prayer is that, as a new chapter begins in our church life, we will see many converted to Christ.
   We enjoyed a lovely tea and fellowship with friends old and new after the service.
Grace Harding