Dear Friends,

As I write I am aware that it will soon be time for me to move and to take up my new position in the Diocese of Truro. I feel as though there is a bit of a countdown, there are things I must attend to, and sometimes it’s not clear which one to do first! Alongside those priorities that need attention there are the emotional feelings that surface as I prepare to say good bye to people I have grown to love and to work with in the village where I live but also those within the deanery. I am reminded of the words of St Paul in his letter to Timothy where he says “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

I am mindful as I approach these final weeks of my intention to ‘finish well’, and as I do so, I am inspired by those who have taken part in the Olympics. Men and Women of differing abilities who have worked hard preparing for the moment when they will be tested against others who have also been training hard. I recall one interview where a contestant spoke eloquently about her hope for success was dependent not solely on her own will power but on the knowledge, skills and dedication of the team around her and that she was grateful to them no matter what the outcome might be, as without their support and encouragement along the way, she wouldn’t be at the Olympics at all.

Being in ministry is much the same. There are no success markers, such as a bronze, silver or gold medal, indeed, this is not the reason we practice ministry. However, we are dependent on the teams and people with whom we practice. It is the pooling together of skills, experience, knowledge, wisdom, joy, compassion, dedication, prayer and willingness to serve one another that enables a church to become the beacon of love and light that Christ calls us into being. I am thankful to those in the parish, the deanery and Diocese who have supported and empowered ministry in the belief that we are enabling the Kingdom of God to be made visible in the places and communities where we live. I have valued the opportunities to share in leadership with pastoral assistants, worship leaders, lay ministers and retired clergy as well as current serving clergy.

It has been a privilege to come alongside so many people, some I have come to know quite well through regular attendance at church, or during a course for celebration and others we have only met at times of great sadness and loss. I will greatly treasure the time I have spent being part of Dilton Marsh and the White Horse Team, and as Rural Dean across Heytesbury. Thank you for making me (and my husband, Cliff) so welcome and enabling us to make our home with you.

Grace and peace,

Caroline

A reminder for those making use of the Church Yard

At Holy Trinity Church, the PCC are committed to our values of caring for creation. We believe that the church yard is part of God’s creation and requires us all, as stewards, to care for the people, animals and fauna that either live there or visit. We have pledged ourselves to the values of being an ECO church and would like to ask your help to ensure that we meet those standards that will help care for and protect this precious resource for the community. Please can we ask that:

a. Families refrain from planting trees, bushes or similar greenery within the church yard.

b. Relatives to refrain from using artificial flowers or vases/pots/ memorabilia that could lead to injury.

Gifts. Should anyone wish to offer a gift, such as a tree/bush, seat/bench or other suitable memorial item to honour and remember a departed family member, the offer would be subject first to PCC and then Diocesan approval.

Thank you in advance for your help with this,

Revd Caroline