I have discerned, with the support of my Bishops Philip and Jill, that it is :me for me to step down as Vicar of the United Benefice. I am enormously grateful for the opportunity that I have had to serve here over the last two years. I have met some amazing people, and been encouraged in many ways. I’m par:cularly grateful to have seen an enormous growth in lay leadership with so many people coming forward and thriving as they have taken on new roles serving God’s Church.

I came here to learn, to serve, and to love, and I want to thank you all for all the many ways you have enabled me also to grow. AGer 10 very full years raising my 3 boys whilst studying, serving as an ordinand, then curate, then Incumbent, I will be taking a sabba:cal from parish ministry and exploring some avenues for academic study and chaplaincy, perhaps in the educa:on sector. Our family hope to find a new home in Warton, and con:nue to be a part of the village community. I hope to con:nue my involvement in educa:on and sustainability work here.

My final service as Vicar of the Benefice will be the St John’s Patronal Fes:val on December 28th. I hope you will be able to join me then to give thanks for all that God has been doing in our Benefice, and to commit the future to Him.

Please pray for me and for my family as we con:nue to follow Jesus and be faithful to His call. I truly believe this is God’s purpose – both for me and for the Benefice – and so though there are different emo:ons today, I want to invite you to once again place your trust in Him, trus:ng that ‘He can do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine’ Ephesians 3:20.

Mother Alice
1st Sunday of Advent November 30th 2025