Our NSM Curate decided she would bend over backwards to give the mayor (him of the lateness) everything he wanted. Before the service this ‘appeared’ to include:

Choice of hymns, rip up what had been choosen months ago, and advise the choir master of this at the 11th hour. I understand he was less than happy (along with many of the choir)

Sermon topic, the NSM’s email to the priest presiding included ‘guidance’ on what to preach on

Intercessions, the NSM’s email basically listed what to pray for

Dignitaries, we’re all equal, but some are more equal than others, 8 reserved pews and to process ahead of the choir (rejected on the day)

Up the revolution!

On the day itself as a family we decided we’d pop down the road to visit our previous parish priest, what a great idea :0)

Feedback from the service has just come in…

Welcome, the ‘dignitaries’ were on hand at the door to welcome you. It must be strange to be welcomed into your church of many years by complete strangers

Gospel, preached by the mayor (I heard rumours that he wrestled the priest for access to the pulpit)

Communion, to the surprise of many, the Mayor and his partner distributed the chalice (I thought you had to be licensed to do that?)

I wonder why we invited a priest to take the service, we might as well have just let the Mayor…

Can anybody advise how you get rid of a NSM Curate? She seems intent on throwing her weight around and pushing her ideas on everybody else. I imagine the Bishop of Portsmouth has gone down in a lot of peoples opinions since she was licensed to us after completing her training.

It feels harsh to say it, but she’s never really fitted in in the parish. She argumentative, opinionated and has a tendancy not to listen, and worst of all has just about zero people skills. She either ignoring peoples views, or worse can’t see them.

The main service was advertised as a family service, but sadly the church school were unable to provide any children, but we were still lucky enough to have a good content of noisy children making members of the choir frown.

As usual the local Mayor managed to come in late, I’m sure his mothers told him the service starts at 9.45 not 10.15, but he comes in as quietly as he can, I’m sure his arrival is never noticed, I’m certain he’d be mortified.

Our wonderful NSM Curate, who we were all so happy to hear had been relicensed to us by the Bishop, the volume of clapping was significant, and the general opinion of the Bishop was substantially changed, felt the need to impose herself by welcoming people (thankfully I didn’t notice anyone run screaming) and demanding things (of a quantity limited nature) she didn’t need while ignoring the complaints of the producers and taking anyway.

Oh how I love the CofE, I constantly wonder why I’m involved…

I’m angry about a Curate few of us like, and even less want, but I’m so happy about our new incumbent.

Thankfully he outweighs the Curate in importance!

Rowan Williams is a man who reignited my interest in the Church, and for that I am very grateful.