Whilst I know this has come as a huge shock, it is no surprise to God. As many of you know I am passionate about leading people to Jesus, growing lay leaders and God's kingdom. My new post as Parish Renewal Officer in the Blackburn Diocese, plays to my strengths and over the last few months I have felt a very strong call to go and share my experiences here at Christ Church with other churches and leaders in Lancashire.
I can assure you all that this has been the hardest decision I have ever made. As I said last Sunday I am the curate that has never left and I owe so much of my leadership development to so many people here at Christ Church. The last nine years have taught me so much and because of my time here I am now able to respond to God's call to step once more into the unknown.
Cian is also stepping out and following God's call. He will be studying for a Grad Dip in Theology at Westminster Theological Centre from September. Again Cian's journey is also thanks to so many people who have encouraged him.
As we prepare to leave I want to reassure you that Christ Church will be in very safe hands. Our God is faithful and he will appoint and anoint the next Vicar to continue to lead Christ Church into growth.
Please pray for the Wardens, PCC, Janet and Graham as they lead the church in the interregnum. We are praying that the process to appoint the next Vicar will be quick. Janet and Graham will oversee the Sunday worship, but they will need everyone's help especially as Graham also has a full time post at Emmanuel Theological College. Please do support them and do whatever you can to ensure we remain outward looking to our community.
There are lots of things to handover and we may well need some extra people to take on some new responsibilities. I hope to share the gaps that will need filling over the next few weeks.
This year we all agreed that growing deep roots in Christ was our main priority and so we need to lean into and trust our faithful God to lead us through this time of transition.
There will be plenty of opportunities to say farewell between now and 3rd November, but please keep Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November free so we can have one last big celebration together. See attached.
Please pray for our family as we prepare to leave it will be a massive wrench to say farewell but once again in God's strength we can do all things!
Sarah and Cian
I can assure you all that this has been the hardest decision I have ever made. As I said last Sunday I am the curate that has never left and I owe so much of my leadership development to so many people here at Christ Church. The last nine years have taught me so much and because of my time here I am now able to respond to God's call to step once more into the unknown.
Cian is also stepping out and following God's call. He will be studying for a Grad Dip in Theology at Westminster Theological Centre from September. Again Cian's journey is also thanks to so many people who have encouraged him.
As we prepare to leave I want to reassure you that Christ Church will be in very safe hands. Our God is faithful and he will appoint and anoint the next Vicar to continue to lead Christ Church into growth.
Please pray for the Wardens, PCC, Janet and Graham as they lead the church in the interregnum. We are praying that the process to appoint the next Vicar will be quick. Janet and Graham will oversee the Sunday worship, but they will need everyone's help especially as Graham also has a full time post at Emmanuel Theological College. Please do support them and do whatever you can to ensure we remain outward looking to our community.
There are lots of things to handover and we may well need some extra people to take on some new responsibilities. I hope to share the gaps that will need filling over the next few weeks.
This year we all agreed that growing deep roots in Christ was our main priority and so we need to lean into and trust our faithful God to lead us through this time of transition.
There will be plenty of opportunities to say farewell between now and 3rd November, but please keep Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November free so we can have one last big celebration together. See attached.
Please pray for our family as we prepare to leave it will be a massive wrench to say farewell but once again in God's strength we can do all things!
Sarah and Cian