Local church welcomes new Minister
Friends from across the country travelled to Market Harborough Congregational Church to share in the induction service for the new minister Rev. Ruairidh MacRae. The service was led by Yvonne Campbell who is the General Secretary of the Congregational Federation and included members of the church and others welcoming Roo with the right hand of fellowship. Congregational Churches are independent and the members of the church called Roo to be the minister in October and are delighted that he has now taken up the role.
Roo was most recently minister in Eyemouth United Congregational Church in the Scottish Borders and this is his first pastorate ‘south of the border’. His husband James and their sons will be joining him once the school exam season ends.
Roo is already getting to know members of the congregation and has joined all of the regular activities as well as visiting Ridgeway School and the Bower House.
Roo said: "I'm delighted to be the new Minister of Market Harborough Congregational Church. Harborough is a fantastic town with a real community feel. I've been impressed with how friendly everyone is. The Congregational Church has a long, rich history of worshipping God and serving the community of Harborough. Over the next couple of months I'm focused on getting to know the Church and town, listen to where folks are and see how we can continue to share Jesus' love with Harborough and surrounding communities. My family and I have been given the warmest of welcomes from the Congregation as we begin a new chapter together. That same welcome awaits anyone who comes or who needs us. We believe in Jesus' inclusive love; that he invites everyone - no matter who you are, or what you've done. We'd love to welcome you to join us on this exciting adventure."
Margaret Nash the Church Secretary said: “Over the past eighteen months we have waited prayerfully and patiently for a new Minister. Almost from our first meeting with Roo we felt a strong bond developing and came to recognise that his firmly held Christian beliefs and approaches to ministry were what we had been praying for.
We feel truly blessed that Roo accepted the calling to be our Minister and we look forward to a strong future at the church with Roo as our guide and teacher. We continue to be an inclusive church and extend a warm invitation to visitors who come to join our worship.
The church meets each Sunday morning at 10.30am and there is more information on www.mhcongregational.church.