Geoff Eze, curate at St Johns Seven Kings, was ordained as a priest during a service held at St Marys Walthamstow on Sunday 28th June. He was one of six ordained as priest by the Bishop of Barking during the service, which was attended by many of the St Johns congregation.During the ordination service, the Ven. Elwin Cockett, Archdeacon of West Ham, spoke movingly about his father who instead of pursuing positions as a doctor in this country served others abroad through his skills and, as a result, died in his mid-thirties. On the day of his funeral the Ghanaian town where he had served came to a standstill. Elwin concluded that it was not titles but testimonies that are the true measure of a person’s life and service.
Geoff says that: "Serving St John's for the last year has been a privilege and a blessing. My ordination to the priesthood is a testimony to the work of the Lord through His people, especially that of my vicar, Jonathan and the loving and dedicated congregation of St John's. I look forward with intrepidation and excitement to continue working for St John's and the people of Seven Kings in Christ's name."
An ordination is a very special celebration for the whole church. From earliest times Christians have recognized that God has called and gifted every Christian to some sort of ministry. The Bible and early church history suggest our traditional pattern of Bishop, Priest and Deacon as servant leaders of God’s people.
Ordination as priest is the next step that Geoff is taking on an exciting journey through life of being committed to God. We, at St John’s, look forward to all that the next stage on that journey will bring both for him and for us.
An ordination is a very special celebration for the whole church. From earliest times Christians have recognized that God has called and gifted every Christian to some sort of ministry. The Bible and early church history suggest our traditional pattern of Bishop, Priest and Deacon as servant leaders of God’s people.
Ordination as priest is the next step that Geoff is taking on an exciting journey through life of being committed to God. We, at St John’s, look forward to all that the next stage on that journey will bring both for him and for us.
Geoff will preside at communion for the first time in the 10.00am service at St Johns Seven Kings on Sunday 5th July. The service will be followed by a bring-and-share lunch to celebrate Geoff’s Priesting. All are welcome.
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Paul Johnson - If We Lose Our Way.
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