The Rector of the Churn Benefice, the Revd Jason St John Nicolle has been made an honorary canon. The award, in recognition of distinguished service to the church, was presented during a service at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on Saturday 27th January.
The Revd Jason St John Nicolle was ordained in 2004 in the diocese and has spent all his time in ministry here. In 2008 he moved to the Churn benefice after his curacy in Kidlington, serving seven parishes in the south of Oxfordshire, where he remains today.
The awards recognise the dedication of lay and ordained people to the Diocese of Oxford and the wider church across a variety of areas of ministry and mission. This includes roles supporting theological education in the worldwide Anglican Communion, the deaf and hard of hearing in the diocese, and community organising and church growth.
Speaking on his installation as honorary canon, the Revd St John Nicolle said:
“It is a great honour. It comes with a great sense of responsibility. I look forward to the role. God’s holy spirit does not limit itself to the work of the church. I think God is calling our church to evolve and that’s exciting. The heart of my life is helping the church to cherish the best of the past together with an openness to the future and holding these two things together."
Jason is committed to parish ministry but enjoys the new opportunities serving the church in other ways can bring. He has been part of the Diocesan Synod since 2012, and also serves as the Area Dean for the Vale of White Horse. He was a trustee of Diocesan Trustee (Oxford) Ltd for three years, and has served as an elected member of the buildings committee for several years.
Working to see communities flourish is at the heart of Jason’s work. He is chairman of Churches Together in Oxfordshire, vice-chairman of the Faringdon Learning Trust and is part of the Oxford Historic Churches Trust.
The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said: “What a blessing to celebrate the contribution of so many talented and dedicated people within the diocese. It is an absolute pleasure to thank these wonderful people for all they have done and continue to do in service of the church. Their efforts are a shining example of God’s love in action.”
Five more honorary canons, and an honorary lay canon, were installed alongside Jason as well as three candidates who were admitted to The Order of St Frideswide, by the Bishop of Oxford.
Photo courtesy of Oxford Diocese.