New group, new Rector

A new group of churches greeted their new Rector on Monday 7 September 2009. The Revd Adrian Copping (57) is now responsible for the new group which unites the parishes of Cilcain, Gwernaffield, Llanferres, Nannerch and Rhydymwyn, to be known as the Famau 5 parishes.

The parish church in Gwernaffield was filled to capacity as the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, led the service. In his address, Bishop Gregory spoke of Mr Copping’s experience as a Planning and Business Manager in the NHS prior to his ordination. He asked the congregation, “Which is a better description of you tonight? Are you more of a disciple or an apostle?” He said that Mr Copping was both a disciple, ready to learn, and an apostle, one who has been sent to lead. The Bishop said, “He is receiving a new call, to be an apostle here. I’m sending him; I’m asking Adrian to do the work of proclaiming Christ amongst you.”

Mr Copping said today, “I look forward to seeing how this new grouping of 5 churches can work together. Being Vicar of 5 parishes is a challenge, but of course the work of God's church is not just done by the Vicar and I already know that we have some marvellous and willing people here. My wife Diane and I were given a lovely welcome on Monday evening.”

Speaking about the new grouping, he said, “Nowadays it is not at all unusual for a Vicar to be shared between quite a few parishes. That can seem a backward step, but it encourages individual churches to work together, and that can become a real strength.”

Previously, Mr Copping was Rector of Bangor Monachorum, Worthenbury and Marchwiel. The parishes of Gwernaffield and Llanferres were under the care of the Revd James Harris, who has moved to Minera, and the parishes of Cilcain, Nannerch and Rhydymwyn were looked after by the Revd Brian Harvey, now the Rector of Flint.