There was a wonderful sense of excitement and anticipation at St Peter’s, Brislington, as churches and friends gathered to welcome Rev Peter Masvotore and his wife, Juliet, to Bristol.

The Welcome Service brought together members and representatives from Peter’s new churches and communities, including Knowle, Bedminster, St Peter’s, Parkway Methodist Churches and the Withywood Centre.

The church was filled to capacity, with every chair taken and some people sitting and standing in the lobby. It was a fitting reflection of the warmth and enthusiasm with which Peter and Juliet have been welcomed into the Bristol Methodist community.

A joyful celebration

Music and singing played a central part in the evening. The Zimbabwean Fellowship contributed to the service with singing that was loud, energetic, rhythmic and full of joy. Their worship brought a wonderful sense of celebration and helped create an atmosphere of warmth, unity and praise.

The corporate singing was one of the moments that stood out most strongly for Peter. Reflecting on the service, he said:

“Hearing many voices blend together creates an immediate sense of shared purpose and unity.”

The evening was not only a formal welcome, but also a celebration of fellowship and the beginning of a new journey together.

A welcome from the churches

Representatives from each of Peter’s churches had the opportunity to welcome him and Juliet and to express their joy at having them join the Bristol Methodist community.

One particularly meaningful moment came when Kiran handed over a bunch of keys to Knowle Methodist Church, symbolising Peter’s new responsibility and the beginning of his ministry among the congregations he will serve.

The welcome reflected not only the practical start of a new appointment, but also the commitment of the churches to walk alongside Peter and Juliet as they settle into their new home and ministry.

A warm atmosphere of fellowship

The service was followed by the opportunity to spend time together over tea and coffee. And, of course, there was plenty of cake!

The refreshments provided a relaxed opportunity for people to meet Peter and Juliet, continue conversations and begin building the relationships that will be such an important part of their ministry.

For Peter, these relationships are at the heart of what he is looking forward to most.

“Building genuine relationships matters most,” he shared. “Sharing meals, conversations, and everyday life with the community brings great anticipation.”

Peter’s reflections

Reflecting on the evening, Peter described the atmosphere as “warm, humbling, and full of grace.”

Standing before a new community brought a mixture of joyful excitement and peaceful reassurance. He spoke of the importance of approaching this new chapter with an open heart, ready to listen, learn and grow alongside the people he has come to serve.

His message to the congregation is simple and heartfelt:

“This new journey begins with an open heart. Listening, learning, and growing side by side will guide the path forward together.”

Peter was also encouraged by the kindness shown to him and Juliet from the very beginning. He spoke of how people had gone out of their way to make them feel like family, describing this genuine welcome as a great source of encouragement.

Looking ahead

The Welcome Service marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter, not only for Peter and Juliet, but for the churches and communities they will now share life and ministry with.

As Peter begins his ministry in Bristol, there is a sense of anticipation about all that lies ahead: new friendships, shared worship, conversations, meals, pastoral care, service and opportunities to grow together in faith.

We pray for Peter and Juliet as they settle into their new home and ministry, and we look forward to walking with them in the months and years ahead.

Welcome to Bristol, Peter and Juliet. We are delighted to have you with us.