We had the institution, induction and installation service for the new Rector at St Clement’s last night. It involved those three distinct processes and various other elements and was at the more formal end of our service spectrum.

I was leading the music from electric guitar, backed by a full music group including a rare outing for the organ, and we covered a wide range of styles from traditional hymns, through a Taize chant to more contemporary songs. I was particularly pleased that we got to use the song There Must Be More Than This for the collection (although, cheesy pun aside, it is really very appropriate for marking the start of a new era in the life of the congregation) and also that my latest addition to my collection of guitar patches, loosely inspired by Steve Vai, sonically blended well with the organ on the final verses of Crown Him With Many Crowns (although not attempting to replicate the wilder moments of his stunt guitar playing!).

Anyway, now the formalities are over, the congregation can begin the journey forward, working with Revd Rachel Gibson on discovering the road ahead.