Dear all,

A very warm and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone across the benefice who contributed to and attended my ordination as priest and my first Eucharist at King’s Somborne. Thank you too for the lovely and generous gifts I have received. The pyx (a small silver holder for communion wafers) and the communion linens have taken up residence in my home communion case, and I look forward to using them in my visits around the benefices.

I would also like to express my thanks for the wonderful bring and share lunch. There was delicious food in abundance, and an amazing community feel to the whole event. My gratitude to those who co-ordinated the lunch, to all who prepared the food, and to the often-unsung heroes, those who moved tables and chairs, and did the washing up.

Speaking of abundance, all being well we are now in a season of priestly plenty, with Tom returned from study leave and Ann installed in King’s Somborne. I would like to thank Jane for her support, wisdom and guidance, especially during Tom’s time away. It has beenimmeasurable.

This celebration weekend has once again demonstrated the abundant and generous love of everyone across our benefices, and it is utterly joyous. My prayer for all of us is that we continue to share in that abundant and generous love across our communities and throughout our lives.

With heartfelt thanks,

Anthony