The institution and induction of the Reverend Father Peter Langdon Matthias Davis as incumbent of St Thomas’ Church took place on Wednesday, 21st December, 2011.  

Father Peter writes:-

“My Dear Friends,

It is with much joy that I begin my ministry as the new Vicar of the Benefice of Somercotes, St. Thomas.  Joy, because I am presented with a wonderful opportunity to share God’s passion for the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ in a new setting with new people!

I am 60, married to Susan.  We have three grown children – Lisa, Laura and Andrew.  In addition, Sue and I have three wonderful grandchildren, Owen, Ethan and Evalyn (there is a new one on the way!).We also have a Jack Russell called Jasper.  My interests include travelling, listening to music, painting, fishing, coaching rugby and Early Christian and Byzantine Art.  Susan enjoys travelling, gardening, dancing and reading.  I have a BD (Hons), MA in Pastoral Theology, PGCE(Sec), PGCE (post-16) and a Cert.Th.

In working with the Churchwarden and PCC, I aim to further the development of ministry and mission at St. Thomas’.  Part of this aim is to offer, in addition to the normal pattern and rhythm of worship, a more ‘varied diet’ of worship (perhaps on a monthly basis), comprising of the Jesus Prayer, Celtic Evening Prayer, Compline, Taize and more informal and ‘open’ worship for beginners - something that people wanting to come to church for the first time will find both comfortable and, hopefully, enjoyable.  I aim, too, to “tap-in” to the local schools with regards to recruiting more servers, and members to the choir.  I aim, too, to invite the MU to become pastoral visitors, thus allowing them to use their huge wealth of knowledge and experiences of life to help and support others.  My overall aim is to raise the profile of the parish and to once again see the church at the very centre of the community.

I look forward to forming stronger links with the Parish Council, Funeral Directors and the wider community.  The church isn’t here just for the worshipping community, but for everyone in the parish of Somercotes.  We are planning many social events, including barbeques in the Vicarage garden.  These events are open to ALL, so please, look out for the posters advertising upcoming events.  I also envisage holding ‘The Big Questions’ evenings, for both existing church members and new, to come along and find out more about the Christian faith.

All this, of course, is subject to listening to more voices and having more ‘conversations’ about the way forward – about our vision for the future.  Sue and I would like to say to you all that a cup of coffee and a chat are always available at the Vicarage at any time (except for midnight or my day off). 

Please don’t wait to be invited – you just have been!

Every Blessing

Fr. Peter & Susan