Dear Friends,
I am very glad to be back with you all at S. Michael’s after my long leave. While I have enjoyed participating in the Liturgy in communities in other places, I have missed this community of faith very much. You may not know that my leave (and that of other clergy) was made possible by the scheme put in place about thirty years ago by the Diocesan Synod. It provided that every clergy stipended position in the Diocese put aside a small sum monthly, so that every seven years the holders of those positions might take three months of paid leave, for refreshment and new resourcing. I am very grateful for that opportunity and return to you much the better for it.
My leave would have been impossible without the willingness of others to take on responsibilities here at S. Michael’s. Fr Tim Hurd suddenly became available to be the acting Parish Priest for a few months. I am grateful for his careful and rich ministry, as I know you are. We wish him well as he waits to go to new work in Polynesia. The Revd Lynne Horwood also took on extra responsibility and oversaw the Parish with her usual wisdom and grace. The Churchwardens had to exercise even wider responsibilities than usual, and did so very competently.
Above all, a great number of you, clergy and laity, kept up your usual high standard of ministry, and kept this community healthy and alive. To that I am glad to return.
Next Friday evening and Saturday the Diocesan Synod meets. Those of us who are Parish Representatives will take part in this Synod, the first to be stamped with our Bishop’s own style. All are welcome to join in the opening Eucharist in the Cathedral on Friday at 7:00 pm.
This Wednesday at 8:40 am a number of young people of S. Michael’s Church School will be baptised in the church. Please pray for them and their families, and if you wish, join us as we celebrate this important step with them.
May God bless you all.
Fr Peter Williams
