It feels very strange to be writing my last copy for the Bodicote Church Magazine. In many ways it feels like only yesterday when I was writing my first and introducing myself. I am doing that now in my new benefice and it has made me realize just how much you have helped me to grow both as a person and a priest. I want to thank you all for your patience, kindness and love that you have shown me over the last 11 years. You are a very special parish and I shall miss you. Life is a journey and our faith is a pilgrimage. It cannot remain static and unchanged or it will die. You have a lot to offer as a Church but you will need new gifts and talents to meet the changing needs of the communities you serve and the discernment process towards appointing a new vicar will help you to identify these. Please hold this process in prayer and support your PCC both in words and actions. You have much to offer. I am praying for you too as I hope you are praying for me as we both start a new chapter in our lives.

Thank you so much for the generous leaving gifts and the super party afterwards. It was wonderful. The four figure cheque has been safely banked and I am hoping to identify something special to spend it on. I am still surrounded by packing boxes although they are diminishing every day and I intend to get them all emptied before my induction and the pictures on the wall. The next few months will be a steep learning curve but I am looking forward to it.

With grateful thanks and heartfelt prayers Sarah