A happy new year to you all.

With Christmas now over, and the New Year arrived, my wife Rachel and I are very much preparing for, and looking forward to moving from Colchester, where I am currently assisting at St. Johns Church, to come to the newly formed Benefice (church speak for a group of churches) of Bentley, Brantham, East Bergholt and Tattingstone.

We shall be living at the Rectory in Brantham, but very much want to be involved in the life of the wider communities. It is my hope to be regularly visible in the villages. So please, feel completely welcome to say hi if you see me out and about. (I’ll be the tall bald bloke with the clerical collar!)

The great thing about parish churches is that they are in effect everyone’s church – whether we enter them or not! And at the same time, the local Rector is charged with the [spiritual] care of everyone in the community. Of course, I am just one person, but I know there is already a considerable amount of commitment and hard work being given by many, mostly volunteers, in the four parish churches, as they seek to live out faith in Jesus. But for my part, I really look forward to meeting and exploring with those who want to find out more of what it means to be a Christian. Especially exploring in ways where there is no pressure, such as the wonderful ‘Alpha Courses’.

A bit about me: I love walking, cycling, and if I can do it on a budget, skiing. I also like playing the drums (although I rarely get the chance now), and guitar. For several years, I was a Scout leader, and a church youth leader – and particularly want younger members of the community to find a welcome place in the local church. I wasn’t ordained until in my 50’s, as I’d spent thirty years in the Police, retiring as a Police Inspector, having spent most of my service in community policing.

As a Church leader, I have a simple belief that every person has an inherent need for Jesus. Some people have referred to that as a God shaped hole. And we can be really good at trying to fill that hole with all sorts of other things. But ultimately, only one thing – or one person - is the right fit, and that, for all of us, is Jesus.

But whatever your view, faith, or none, I very much look forward to meeting you, and Rachel and I are also very much looking forward to being part of the communities.

God bless you.

Rev’d Chris Willis
January 2024