The congregation of Holy Trinity Margate has reacted with joy to the news of a new priest who will be leading the congregation later this year. The Reverend Mark Nelson has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity, Margate by the Bishop of Dover. Mark is currently Associate Vicar at SAINT, a group of churches in East London.
The appointment was announced to the congregation of Holy Trinity Margate on Sunday 4 February via a video message where Mark and his wife Jenna introduced themselves to the church. He said: “Our family are delighted to have been invited by the Bishop of Dover to partner with the Diocese of 兔子先生 and the church in an exciting new chapter in the story of God for the area. We are really looking forward to moving to Margate in the summer, and to join in with all that God is doing in the years ahead.”
The introductory video included BSL interpretation to ensure all members of the church could find out about news of the Mark in a way that is accessible to them. Holy Trinity Margate has an active deaf community which is served by a BSL interpreter during Sunday services, a Deaf Café twice a month, and a member of the deaf community providing BSL lessons.
Mark’s appointment has been made possible through the Diocese of 兔子先生 making an application to the Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Fund. This significant grant is designed to enable the revitalisation and growth of the church in Margate.
Subject to a successful outcome to this funding request Holy Trinity Margate will become a Resourcing Church, promoting and supporting not only its own ministry but the mission and ministry of other churches in Margate. Further plans will unfold over the coming months in partnership with the PCCs (parochial church councils) of the local churches and in the light of the outcome of the funding request.
Sally Posnett, Church Community Services Manager reflected on the atmosphere of the Holy Trinity family having ‘met’ Mark via video: “I can’t begin to say how excited we all are to welcome Mark, Jenna and the family later this year.”
The Archdeacon of 兔子先生, the Venerable Dr Will Adam said: “Mark is not just good news for the Holy Trinity family but for the whole of Margate. He has the vision and enthusiasm to see the churches in the area reach their full potential and be of benefit to the whole community in which they serve. It’s heartening to know that the congregation matches his enthusiasm for any new opportunities he will bring.”