On the evening of 13th April, the American International Church on Tottenham Court Road, London, hosted a special service to mark the induction of the 62nd Moderator of the Free Churches Group (FCG). The church, a local church of the United Reformed Church, was filled with representatives of FCG Group Members, along with Tessa’s family, friends and supporters, who enjoyed a reception before the service began.
The central focus of the service was the formal induction ceremony. Revd Helen Cameron, who has faithfully served as Moderator for the last three years, welcomed Tessa into her new role. After formally asking her “Will you endeavour to fulfil the duties of the office to the glory of God?” Tessa responded, “I will, God being my helper.”
Helen presented Tessa with the medal of office and a specially commissioned preaching stole, which she had worn to the King’s Coronation while representing the Free Churches.
Tessa expressed heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported her and will continue to do so as she exercises this important ministry. She was formally greeted by representatives from each Group Member, from Churches Together in England, Cytûn, and finally by Revd Paul Rochester, General Secretary of the FCG.
Tessa’s inaugural message as Moderator focused on diversity and generosity. After singing the hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” and a prayer time, the church’s organist played a composition by Florence Price, an African-American composer.
The service ended with an expression of gratitude to Revd Helen Cameron for her exemplary service as Moderator. The congregation joined in singing “You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace.”
We are delighted to welcome Revd Tessa Henry-Robinson as the new Moderator of the FCG and are grateful for Revd Helen Cemeron's faithful leadership over the past three years.
We hope you will join us in praying for both of them as they enter into new phases of their respective ministries.
There will be fuller coverage of the Induction in due course, but you can find out more about Revd Tessa here. Please follow this link for Tessa’s inaugural message. You can watch the service Here.
A thank you from Paul Rochester, Free Churches Group General Secretary
I personally want to thank the FCG Group Members for supporting the Induction Service for Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson. We had great support from across the Free Churches, and I know that Tessa and her family were grateful for that. It was wonderful to be with you all, and I wish to thank God for an inspiring and comforting service. God is doing a great work in our world despite all the challenges we face. I hope that the Free Churches will continue to pray and seek God’s will so that we can fully participate in God’s mission, as it pleases Him.
I want to formally thank Revd Helen Cameron for her work. It was inspirational to work with her, and I saw up close the many sacrifices she made to support and spearhead the FCG's work.
I am sure that Helen will continue to be a great advocate for the FCG and the work we do. She will continue on the Board and support the FCG as the past Moderator.
Let us pray for Tessa in her new role and remember Helen's work with fondness.
Photo credit: Andy Jackson/URC
