Rev’d Lynda Sebbage’s Licensing as Team Vicar 

The Rev’d Lynda Sebbage was welcomed to the Saffron Walden and Villages Team ministry, totalling twelve churches, as Team Vicar with special responsibility for Debden and Wimbish, at a service of licensing and installation on 24th October 2024 at St Mary the Virgin and All Saints, Debden.

The presence of the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani; the Archdeacon of Stansted, the Venerable Kate Peacock; the Bishop’s Chaplain and the team clergy - all robed - set the scene for a meaningful and uplifting service. The congregation comprised representatives from Saffron Walden and all the villages in the Team.

The Rev’d Jeremy Trew, in his rôles as Area Dean and Team Rector, welcomed everyone and presented Lynda to Bishop Guli who presided over the licensing. The Archdeacon installed Lynda in her stall in the church. Bishop Guli’s sermon focused on new beginnings, challenges including searching out and making welcome those on the sidelines.

The service was a fascinating mixture of historical and religious significance with oaths of allegiance and canonical obedience being declared and a formal licence being handed over by the bishop. Lynda was then led by the Archdeacon and the churchwardens to the font, the pulpit, the lectern and the altar. At the end Lynda rang the bell to announce her arrival and the west door was flung open to welcome all.

A buffet afterwards provided a chance for people to mingle, reflect and to welcome Lynda and her husband, Peter. A total of £425 was collected for the Bishop’s charity for Licensed Ministers in the Diocese of Chelmsford.

Lynda's contact details:  01799 796 193   debden.wimbishvicar@gmail.com

Photo: From left to right: Ursula Lyons, Debden Churchwarden; Pete Gray, Wimbish Churchwarden; Rev’d Lynda Sebbage; Graham Cook, Deanery Lay Chairman; the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani; the Rev’d Jeremy Trew, Area Dean and the Venerable Kate Peacock, Archdeacon of Stansted.