Dear Friends,

I share many of Richard’s emotions at the news that he is to be the next Rector of the Chirbury Hills benefice (date still to be confirmed). I am excited, relieved and sad in almost equal measure. Excited for him. It will be fascinating to see how the many gifts he has displayed in his time with us will be brought to bear when he has sole responsibility for the leadership of a benefice. It is relief that after 18 months of vacancy, we will no longer have to puzzle over how to cover their Sunday services, assemblies and weddings, christenings and funerals. It is sad to lose such an excellent colleague even if he is not moving as far away as he might have.

I console myself with the thought that God knew all this long before anyone else; that he is always ready to come alongside us whatever emotions are running riot and that He will always lift us up.

Greg