Rev Sam Cheesman, Chaplain to the Bishop of Blackburn, will soon be moving on to pastures new after he was announced as the new Rector of St James' in Clitheroe.
The announcement was made at St James' on Sunday morning with a further message following to the whole Diocese from Bishop Philip.
On Saturday, September 6 at 6.30pm the congregation of St James' will have the opportunity to officially welcome Sam, his wife Mairi and their daughter Lydia at a special service.
That's when the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev Dr Joe Kennedy, will institute and the Archdeacon of Lancaster, The Venerable David Picken, will induct Sam into his new role.
The full text of the Bishop Philip's message is below ...
Dear Friends,
I write with the news that after six years as Bishop’s Chaplain, it has been announced today that The Rev Sam Cheesman has been appointed Rector of St James’s Clitheroe. I am delighted that he will be taking up this important role, and equally delighted that he and his family will remain in the Diocese of Blackburn.
Sam has been an outstanding Bishop’s Chaplain and has brought to the role a deep trust in Jesus Christ, a disciplined life of prayer and a rich wisdom. He has been a friend and pastor to many of us. He has built a highly competent and efficient team at Bishop’s House whilst always ensuring that it is a place of hospitality and welcome. Even at challenging times, he has brought joy and humour to the workplace. Above all he has helped to keep us all focused on what matters most, which is the work of making more and deeper followers of Jesus Christ.
I have hugely appreciated Sam’s support over the past three years, as have other senior leaders within the Diocese. Please do pray for him, Mairi and Lydia as they make a new start in Clitheroe. Please pray also for those involved in the process to appoint his successor which will commence at once.
Bishop Philip