After years of drought in North West News South Wales, pouring rain seemed an appropriate gift from God and an appropriate welcome for the new Bishop of Armidale, consecrated at the weekend.
No-one complained about the downpour, in fact Archbishop Glenn Davies described it as a 'wonderful start'.
Bishop Rod Chiswell, the son of previous bishop Peter (1976-1999), was raised and educated in the rural Diocese, which runs from the top of the Hunter Valley through to the Queensland border.
He has lived or has ministered in various parishes in the area, most recently at South Tamworth.
If your eyes are fixed on Jesus what does he say to you? Go make disciples of all nations - Dr Peter Jensen
Archbishop Davies, the metropolitan of New South Wales, consecrated Bishop Chiswell, who was presented by the previous bishop Rick Lewers and former Archbishop Peter Jensen.
Dr Jensen gave the address, urging the new bishop to fix his eyes upon Jesus.
"If your eyes are fixed on Jesus what does he say to you? Go make disciples of all nations," Dr Jensen said. "Our time is His, not ours. You may trust him always. He is the lord of history and he is the Lord of trials and troubles." (Watch the sermon here.)
"It's his work we do and your business is not to be in charge of everything because you are the Bishop, but simply make it your aim to please him because he is the lord of everything."
That includes the rain.
