About Us

Letter from the Vicar

Dear Friends

We continue to share the joy of Eastertide and the hope that the Resurrection of Jesus offers to the world of peace, especially as we reflect on the turbulence we see and read about in the trading relationships of nations, and the horrifying attacks on civilian populations in Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza. Easter speaks of so much joy and transformation for those who witness the death and then the rising of Jesus, and for those who follow today.

We are all transitory in life, staying for a period of time and hoping to make meaningful contributions to the communities we live within and identify with, and the lives of those we are in a relationship with, as part of our family and through friendship. We all have hopes, aims and ambitions that we want to achieve, or help others to do so, through our encouragement, commitment, experience and skills. Sometimes, it might be putting ourselves forward in offering our time enthusiasm, and expertise, or needing a bit of encouragement and persuasion because somebody can see our potential.

Over the past 44 years of ministry within the Church of England as a deacon and priest I have seen, as indeed many of you will have, many changes to how things are seen, done and contemplated, as we respond to challenges and opportunities presented by God. Change and adaptation is true in nearly every aspect of life as we know it, and have known it- some good and some not so. As a parish priest, it is trying to discern where God is present and active in guiding our thinking, planning and awareness of how values of kindness, generosity, justice, peace, integrity, faithfulness and compassion are lived out in the reality of our lives, that try to answer the Commission of Jesus to make disciples, and love our neighbour as we try to love ourselves.

The local Parish Church exists for those who have yet to become members of it, which is a challenge and an opportunity always to put at the heart of any agenda and discussion. There are no easy answers, nor quick fixes to growing church and community, but we begin to communicate with people who are not familiar with church practices, and probably don’t want to be, by living an authentic life as a follower of Jesus through lives that mirror in every way God’s abundant love, forgiveness, generosity, compassion, welcome and hospitality.

I know there is the temptation of the wider Church to measure how we do these things through measuring numbers attending Services, but there are many seeds to be sown by walking with people, accompanying them through the shadows of sadness and uncertainty, and having the confidence to let faith be shown.

It has been the greatest privilege and joy to have served as your Parish Priest and to work and minister with committed, faithful, loving, supportive and conscientious people, not just within the church community, but in schools, through community groups and activities, and giving of themselves to improve people’s lives and opportunities. Thank you for your love, support, encouragement, help, prayer and faithfulness.

The path of appointment for a new Vicar appears long, but I have confidence that God will send in time the right person to move forward, building on the best of the past, with the hopes and commitments that the churches in the benefice will be working on, with the Archdeacon, to help plan a future mission strategy that grows Church and grows Community.

For me, it is time to roll up the tent with Rachel and move on to a new part of our lives. It is never Good bye, but God be with you until we meet again. Pray for Rachel and myself, and as we pray for you, for the well-being of everybody and everything that makes us this wonderful part of God’s Kingdom in the Peak District. God bless and keep you all in his love, peace and presence.

With love and Prayers

Canon Tony