TWO NEW ministers have been warmly welcomed into St Paul’s Parish at a service held at St Paul’s Church, Wokingham.
Rev’d Sam Tanna-Korn was instituted and inducted as St Paul’s new Rector of the Parish, and Rev’d Cara Smart was licenced as Associate Priest for Woosehill Church.
Members of the church, community representatives, guests, and visitors all gathered to support Sam and Cara at the start of a new chapter in their lives.
The service was led by Vicar of St John the Baptist, Crowthorne, Rev’d Laura Wheatley Downs, and the Bishop of Reading, Rt Rev’d Mary Gregory, gave the sermon.
In recognition of his new role, the ceremony included presenting Sam with the keys to the St Paul’s, and heard him ring its bells.
Growing up in South Wales, he studied theology in Cambridge and Geneva.
His first curacy was in Barnet, North London, followed by a period as vicar in Aintree, Liverpool.
Most recently he has served as chaplain at an Islington comprehensive school, and as assistant priest at St Mary’s, Westminster.
Recently married, he and new wife, Pinky, say they look forward to new beginnings in the borough.
“I’m looking looking forward to getting started,” he said.
“I’m really excited to be here, doing what I feel I’m called to do, and celebrating with all the people I’m going to be working with.”
Cara grew up in Cheshire.
Before ordination she worked as a toy tester which, she says, is almost as much fun as it sounds.
She has already served as a curate in the Parish of St Paul’s since 2020, and she and husband Richard have two children and two excitable dogs.
A keen musician, she plays the flute and somehow finds time to teach herself the cello too.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone more and more in the community, and to continue what we’ve already started over the last couple of years,” she said.
“It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”
After the service, guests including church and faith leaders, members of the community, charity representatives, and Wokingham Borough and Town Mayors Cllr Carol Jewell and Cllr Louise Timlin enjoyed an opportunity to get to know the two new ministers over refreshments in the Parish Rooms.
For information about both churches, visit: spauls.co.uk
