Faith Matters: Revd Dr Luke Larner Licensed at All Saints' with St Peter
Faith Matters by David Jonathan, Grassroots & Luton Council of Faiths.
Revd Dr Luke Larner has been appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge of the Church of England Parish of All Saints' with St Peter, Luton, alongside his current role as Priest-in-Charge of St Andrew's Church in the Biscot area of Luton.
Speaking about his new appointment, Luke said, "All Saints' with St Peter's Parish covers most of the Bury Park area of Luton, with a population of around 25,000 people. Most importantly, it includes Kenilworth Road, the home of our beloved Luton Town Football Club which I first visited as a child. I am looking forward to continuing the important work that has been taking place there over the years. I remain grateful for all the hard work that my good friend, Revd Canon David Kesterton, put in as the previous incumbent."
The licensing service was led by the Venerable Dave Middlebrook, Archdeacon of Bedford. In his sermon, he reflected on Jesus standing among ordinary people, emphasising that Jesus chose to be present with people from all backgrounds, circumstances, and levels of faith. Rather than placing himself above others, Jesus identified with those around him and stood alongside them. The Archdeacon noted that this provides a strong model of ministry, not only for priests but for all who seek to follow Christ.
His message focused on Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, particularly the blessings pronounced on the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the excluded. He explained that these teachings challenge worldly values by turning them upside down. While society often admires wealth, power, comfort, and popularity, Jesus highlights the spiritual value of humility, dependence upon God, compassion, and faithfulness.
Archdeacon Dave observed that those with less often demonstrate greater gratitude and generosity, whereas wealth & comfort can lead to complacency and a diminished sense of gratitude.
He encouraged Christians to seek justice, stand alongside those who are vulnerable, and place God and His Kingdom values before personal comfort and self-interest.
We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Revd Dr Luke Larner as he begins this new ministry. We also invite everyone to reflect on how they can stand alongside others wherever God has placed them, whether in their families, workplaces, schools, colleges, universities, churches, neighbourhoods, or communities, both locally and globally.