On Saturday, 23 August 2025, Trinity Church hosted the induction of the Revd Georgina Bondzi-Simpson – Minister of Trinity Church, All Saints Church and Grove Methodist Church – as Superintendent Minister of the Wantage & Abingdon Methodist Circuit, which comprises eight churches across Abingdon, Didcot, Grove, Milton, Wantage and Wallingford.
The service was led by the Revd Bruce Thompson, minister in the circuit, together with the Revd Dr Sonia Hicks, Chair of the Northampton District (which covers Oxfordshire). With the Senior Circuit Steward, the Lay Chair of the Abingdon Deanery, and the congregation, they formally welcomed Georgina to her new role and prayed for her ministry.
Revd Hicks said that the Gospel reading (John 21:15–19) recounts Jesus asking Peter three times, “Do you love me?” and commanding him to “feed my sheep.” This reminder of commitment and calling is relevant for Georgina becoming Superintendent. Revd Hicks told a story of a shop in France selling mystery parcels – some valuable, some ordinary – as a metaphor for the Methodist stationing process. Until ministers and circuits meet, neither knows exactly what they will receive. What matters is trusting God’s call to follow and serve.
The call of Moses in the reading, Exodus 3: 7-14, also reminded us that God sees the suffering of his people and leads them into a better existence. We too are called to welcome the stranger and to stand alongside those in need, for each one is a precious child of God. Christian discipleship is not about comfort or echo chambers, but about openness: surprising ourselves, listening for God’s voice, and allowing the Spirit to lead us where we might not choose to go.
Revd Hicks said that Georgina, as Superintendent, is called to love, to lead as a shepherd, and to tend God’s people in the circuit. She will not always get it right. And she called the people to support, love, and walk with Georgina, so that together you may serve God faithfully in humility and in hope.
Reflecting on the calling, Georgina said ‘I have been drawn to one particular word: humility – the humility of Christ, which led him to the cross. Humility calls us into the very heart of Christ’s way. It is in being humble that we can be open to receive the Spirit of God. My prayer is that more and more of Christ may be seen in me, and less of Georgina. The superintendency is not about me; it is about you and me together, humbling ourselves before God. So let us go forward together, walking with God and with each other in humility, service, and allegiance.’
The circuit has recently reduced the number of ministers from three to two, and also said goodbye to Deacon Selina, and so lay members and retired ministers are now taking a greater part in leading services and activities.
The service included Holy Communion, followed by refreshments and fellowship in the Conduit Centre.
Among those present were the Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Rawda Jehanli, Georgina’s family, and friends from across the circuit and beyond. After the service, everyone gathered in the Conduit Centre for refreshments, where a fine spread of sandwiches and cakes was shared. The abundance of cakes stretched into Sunday, when they were enjoyed after services at All Saints and Trinity.