On Wednesday 26th April, St Paul's was host to a a Choral Evensong Welcome service for the new Kingston Area Bishop, the Right Reverend Dr Martin Gainsborough. The occasion was an opportunity to give a warm welcome from the Wandsworth Deanery churches to Bishop Martin, who is also now a parishioner of St Paul's.

The service was led by Revd Susan Bolen, Vicar of St Paul's; Revd John Whittaker, Team Rector at St Mary's Putney, led the prayers. Bishop Martin delivered a thoughtful sermon on the theme of 'welcome'. Local councillors, interfaith leaders, school and sixth form heads, and parishioners from all five churches in the Deanery, were in attendance. 

Rabbi Adrian Schell of The Wimbledon Synagogue (also Co-chair CCJ SW London and the Dittons) and Paul Bishop, Director Sixth Form at St Cecilia's School in Wandsworth, gave words of welcome to Bishop Martin. 

Towards the end of the service a Q&A session was held with a group of Sixth Form students from St Cecilia's. The young people presented some interesting questions to Bishop Martin on a variety of topics including how he had come to hold his faith; how the church can attract young people; and his views on the changing role of the monarchy as we approach the Coronation.

The service was followed by refreshments and a chance for the congregation to get to know Bishop Martin better.

You can view the video of the Choral Evensong Service of Welcome on our YouTube channel here.