So my time with Redhill, and therefore with the other villages of the Benefice, is drawing to an end. My last Benefice Service will be on 31st May in Christ Church, Redhill starting at 10am. This is to be a United Benefice Service with Holy Communion. The last time I will celebrate Communion within this Benefice for the foreseeable future. I am hoping that as many people will be there as possible.

After that I have been given just one more Service and that is to be a Family Service in Redhill Church on Sunday 7th June at 11am. The Family Services at Redhill Church have a particular place in my heart, having grown out of a Mother and Toddler Group called ‘Totspot’, which started in 2015. I know that Tom Ekin (my predecessor but one) was very concerned that he would see the end of Redhill Church. Thanks to the connections with Redhill families that grew out of Totspot, together with the new families that are joining us today, I can be confident in the future of Redhill Church. Those families have not just reduced our average age, but have brought a youthful exuberance to our worship, they have increased our joy in the Christian faith and reinforced our hope in God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I understand that this, my last Family Service, will roll into a Bring and Share Lunch on the playing field, or in the Village Hall if wet. Bring a plate of food and field games.

What happens next? Well, the Redhill Church Trust, comprising David Gent, Dee Taylor and Lindy Wood, have already advertised the post and I am confident that God has someone really special lined up to take the Church in Redhill forward. Please pray for the discernment of the Trustees and the candidates.

It is time for me to hand over the reins to someone new. Redhill needs the fresh impetus and I need a rest, but the same God will travel with us all into an awesome future.

But be assured, you will all be in my,and Cathi's, prayers, always.

May the Lord bless you  

Andrew

Rev’d Andrew Hemming, Priest for Redhill