There’s only short space here to fit in a great deal of gratitude as my time at St Michael’s comes to an end. I hope that I’ll get a chance to say goodbye and thank you to many of you in person, but, if I don’t, I hope that each of you knows what a privilege it has been to know and minister among you. My primary thanks of course, go to Paul for his support as a wise and encouraging Training Incumbent. It has been an honour to work alongside him as I’ve gained experience of parish ministry in preparation for being let loose on the church on my own! Thank you also to each of you. I have learned huge amounts from sitting in living rooms and chatting over tea (and maybe a bit of cake!), from praying with you, from hearing what it means to you to follow Christ in your own way. I’ll take each of those experiences with me into the rest of my ministry.
As we, as a family, move on and settle into a new chapter in our lives, can I finish by asking for your prayers. For the children as they settle into new routines and a new school. For Karen as she sets up teaching in a new area. And for me as I begin a new ministry, particularly for wisdom in discerning what steps are needed to strengthen and encourage the team ministering there. St Michael’s will continue in my prayers, and I’m deeply grateful for yours!
My Licensing to the new parish will be on Wednesday 8th September at 7.30pm in St Aidan’s Brunton Park. Anyone who would like to come would be very welcome.
Thank you to you all, from us all, for a wonderful three years!
Gerard
