A few words of Farewell from Father David

Goodbye & Thank you: 

So how should we mark the occasion of my retirement? Leaving is a time for reflection on the past, evaluation of the present and setting goals for the future (see the Rector’s report to the 2025 APCM). It is never easy leaving a Benefice and moving on, but Rector’s come and go, and parishes go on to find new leadership.

My retirement ministry is a different challenge but the same Mission – to keep the love and knowledge of God alive in the heart of this world. Yes, I have other things I want to do. I am planning to write a Bible Commentary on the New Testament letter of James. I shall be concerned with what this letter of scripture means to us today reading the New Testament in the language of the NRSV and to apply his theology to our own context. I intend to be an active member of British Legion, Sea & Army Cadets and further my trade union work as the Chair of the National Faith Workers branch of the Community Union. I ask for your prayers and thoughts as I prepare to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

I will retire as Rector of the Loggerheads benefice at the end of June 2025. I will continue to be a Priest in the Church of God and serve as I am led. So I ask for prayers for the people I leave and for the people I will work with in the future. I came to the Benefice four and half years ago. These have been really good years for me, and I thank you all for that. The Loggerheads is a loving, and supportive community of Christian faith where I have felt welcomed and affirmed. Heartfelt thanks to the people of Loggerheads. Details of my leaving service at Ashley on 29th June at 9.30am followed by brunch are now confirmed. There will also be an opportunity to say Goodbye at the Benefice Farewell Breakfast the day before, where I will talk about vocations.

Father David