With a host of new clergy joining us this year we thought it would be good to ask them to share their thoughts and feelings as they approach their first Christmas with us.

For Revd Mark Wade from the Benefice of Liskeard and St Keyne this Christmas will signal a return to his home county. Mark grew up in many different vicarages across west Cornwall where his dad Revd Andrew Wade served.

Mark says: “It is great to come home and be near family, but a real attraction was seeing the vision and hope of the diocese and what God is doing in Liskeard, St Keyne, and Dobwalls. The vision of Truro diocese caught my eye.”

Mark joined the diocese in September having made the move from Liverpool diocese where he had been serving as team vicar in Church Wigan, one of the first SDF projects in the UK transforming Wigan.

Mark says the first few months have been all about getting to know the benefice and relearning to drive around Cornish lanes! He and his team have been connecting with the local schools and introducing collective worship, connecting with SOAR ministry which is led by the pioneer ministers connecting with those struggling with mental health and addiction and seeing God move and people coming to know Jesus.

He said: “One of the big moments was choosing the Christmas tree at St Martin’s ready for the Christmas fair, it was great to source it locally from the same shop that is providing the prime minister wreath this year! Then our local schools helped to decorate it. Over the next few weeks of Advent, we shall have four school Christmas services, three Christingles, five carol services, four different styles of worship on Christmas Eve, and sharing food with those who would be alone on Christmas Day.”

Reflecting on his new start, Mark says: “These first few months have been fast-paced and I’ve met lots of different people, learned how to sing Merry Christmas in Cornish, ate a lot of pasties, got a part in the Christmas musical even if I can’t sing… yet most importantly I have been seeing God moving, seeing people grow as leaders and openness to take risks with God. There are also many challenges and things to learn and reflect on.”

Mark hasn’t made the move alone, he is joined by his wife Toni and the couple’s three children – – Izzy, 10, Asa, 9, and Imogen, 6. Mark said: “We already love being near the beach and brought our body boards within days of moving and it’s good to be near family in St Austell and Porthleven.”

As Mark prepares for this first advent and new year, he says: “I feel expectant that God is doing something new and different, and we are listening to what God might be asking of us. Also looking forward to improving my bodyboard skills when it’s warmer!”