St Martin's, Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol

My dear Church Family8 years ago I was just a month into my role here as vicar, and already knew that this was home, and that I was part of a loving church family. I have loved being vicar here, over the 8 years, as we've navigated together a way to create new ways for individuals and families to discover the love of Jesus, whilst also embracing our traditional forms of worship. As we've worshipped inside the building and outside, as we've eaten together, fed the community together, supported vulnerable families together, laughed together, and grieved together. As we've learned and studied together, as we've prayed together, as we've grappled with difficult decisions together, as we've made mistakes together. We locked down together, we connected online together, and we gathered again as the Lord's people around the Lord's table. New babies have been born in that time (it's been wonderful to have real baby actors playing Jesus in the Crib Service nativity!), young people and adults have been baptised and confirmed, students and ordinands have pilgrimed here in that time, and dear friends have gone to glory in that time - what a privilege it has been to spend the last hours of life, and officiate at the funeral services, of some of the pillars of this church.St Martin's is a special place. Over the years, as we've discerned together what our priorities should be, as we've gone deeply into our values, and as our story as a church has been told, there is a constant sense of profound understanding of what it is to be the parish church for this community. No one is ever a visitor, everyone is invited to be part of the church family, even if coming along on high days and holidays. There is something about having an Anglo-Catholic spirituality which is more than the way we worship (I will miss the incense!) and instead is about understanding the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ - that God loved the whole world so much that he sent his Son to be our Saviour. The whole world is loved - those who already have a relationship with God, and those who don't, beginning at the manger rather than the cross. This is lived out by this church in it's love for this community - not just wanting to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the way the church reaches out, but in seeing the face of Jesus in every human being that is encountered. This is radical, Christ-like relationship, and is perhaps why when people say that St Martin's is a welcoming place, it is profoundly true.I have been overwhelmed by the kind messages, encouragement and affirmation I've received since the news of my appointment was made. I always said I would never leave St Martin's to be Vicar of another parish, I would only leave if God called me to be Archdeacon of Bristol - this is the vocation I believe I am called to fulfil. I am leaving with such confidence in the team that will hold the leadership of the church during the time of vacancy. We have two wonderful church wardens, Richard and Becky, who are legally in charge during this time - they are your first port of call for any queries. We have a gifted ministry team, in Phil, Becky, Martin, Chris, Frank and Steve. We have a really good PCC with experienced people overseeing finance, safeguarding and health and safety, a fab PCC secretary Julie, and an awesome administrator Beth, as well as numerous individuals who enable both church business and the business of the Church. Do please hold them in your prayers during this time of transition, and be generous as they learn how to lead well together!So my dear sisters and brothers, it would be wonderful to see you at my final service on Sunday if you're available at 10am - I appreciate with it being school holidays this may not be possible, and I can't promise to not be a blubbering mess at the end! I also hope you may be able to come along to the Cathedral on Sunday 1 September at 3.30pm for my formal installation and licensing as Archdeacon. You are invited.With love, in ChristBecky

St Martin's, Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol

A message from Becky... 2nd August

A message from Becky... 26th July

A message from Phil... 19th July

A message from Phil... 12th July