Dear friendsI continue to be so thankful for you, and pray that you and your families are well. I have heard the term "Novid" for the bug that so many of us experienced over Christmas, in that it was as contagious and debilitating as Covid, but it didn't have a name. So many have been left with an irritating cough, or fatigue - I pray that if this is you, that you will continue to recover and that you can be gentle with yourself!I am about to go on "Extended Ministerial Development Leave", which used to be called a sabbatical. I will be on leave from 1 February to the end of April.I want to reassure you that I have been working with the wardens, ministry team and PCC for a couple of months to make sure all arrangements are in place for the 12 Sundays that I'm not here, and that Easter is also covered! I'm excited for you, in that there are a number of wonderful priests coming to preside and preach during this time, including the return of old friends who did ordination placements with us. For some of you, my absence won't have an impact as you will be coming to the services that you know and love, and there will be a priest here, so it will be "business as usual".
Some of you may be concerned about who is going to be praying for you, as you know I do this each day in my prayers. I am so pleased that the Licensed Lay Ministers have committed to ensure the parish is prayed for each day.
The church wardens, Andrew and Roger, will be in charge during my leave and any queries or questions should be directed to them. Beth is co-ordinating the visiting priests and any other administrative needs. The Licensed Lay Ministers will be taking on additional responsibilities for some of the worship provision, and Becky Wearne continues to lead our Pastoral Ministry team.I am hoping to learn a lot during my leave, particularly about "who we are" in different relationships. I'm also going to study more about St Julian of Norwich and St Hilda of Whitby, my two favourite saints. I'm happy to tell you more if you would like to know, and I'm sure there will be much to share when I come back!I think the church will also learn a lot in my absence, you will be going on your own "sabbatical" of sorts, and it will be wonderful to learn about all that God through the Holy Spirit will do for us all between February and April.In the meantime, there are still 2 weeks before I go, and we will be gathering on Sunday at 8.30am and 10.30am for Holy communion services. Sunday Spirit have their additional session this month, so it will be wonderful to welcome our young people as they continue to explore their own journeys.With every blessingBecky