Dear Friends,
Anne had been away and didn’t know I was leaving. She said, “How exciting for you- and for us!” Thank you, Anne. You were the first person to admit that having a bit of a break and then a new priest to look forward to is exciting.
Jesus told his friends after the Resurrection that it was good for them that he was going away. And they didn’t believe him. How could his leaving them be good? But he told them, (you can read this in John 16) that when he left them, he would send the Holy Spirit to them. And it was the Holy Spirit, whose coming to the church we celebrate at Pentecost, who transformed the followers of Jesus from fearful people, hiding indoors, to powerful leaders, preachers, teachers and healers, out there in the street, telling it like it is. The church where my son was married has a sign over its door, for you to read as you leave: You are now entering the mission field.
Church on Sunday is just the gathering-together to give the last week, with all its fun and failure, triumph and ordinariness back to God, and to make ready for a whole new week of loving and caring, sharing and praying- meeting God where he is, which is everywhere.
You have a new priest to find and look forward to. I sometimes think it would be fun if the new priest just turned up, like the Vicar of Dibley did, with a “hello, I’m your new Vicar!”- Hobson’s choice. You take the one nearest, or none at all. As it is, you get to choose one. You might want one who will carry on your traditions, or you might be ready for some changes- remember, I only got the job here because I had a nice head of hair, and you thought twelve years with a bald Rector was enough.
Anyway, be careful what you ask for. If you say you want a leader, be prepared to be led, and to follow. If you want someone to visit, and comfort the sick and the bereaved, and rejoice with the wedding couples and the new babies, say so. Tell them this parish is a lot of fun. Don’t mention the moles - they’ll find out soon enough.
I have enjoyed being here so much, and we’ve made good friends. I’ll miss the Surrey Hills, and the woods, the Good Intent and the British Legion, but mostly I’ll miss you. Pam and I thank you for all your good wishes and blessings. Nobody now ought to drive down the A303 without stopping off at Galhampton. You’ve got some exciting times ahead- and some new faces in the pulpit for a few months. Be good. Don’t play with the matches. My love, prayers and best wishes to you all.
Ron Wood