For those who'd like to know a little more about what I'll be doing after Sandhurst, here's an extended version of what I wrote in our February newsletter.
After 21 years in Sandhurst, George and I will be moving to Aldenham, a village between Watford and Radlett, where I will be the part-time Vicar of the church of John the Baptist. The title of the post is "House for Duty Vicar". This means that I won't get a stipend (aka salary), but will get to live in the vicarage rent-free in return for working on Sundays and two other days in the week.
The church has a small but enthusiastic congregation who are keen to grow and involve more families. The nearest state school is in Radlett, but there are private schools in the parish, a social club and a golf club. My brief is to help this proudly traditional congregation to reach out to new and younger people. The Bishop assures me that they are up for the challenge – and so am I! The church has 2 services per Sunday, at 10.30 and 6.30 pm. At the moment the morning services on 2 Sundays out of 4 are from the Book of Common Prayer. A key part of my work at the start will be to get to know the people of Aldenham village, and especially to make contact with families. I shall miss having our wonderful Family Worker Sarah Bishop helping me! Then we'll have to see what we can provide in terms of worship and social events that will help families to get connected with the church - and, more importantly, with God!
Music is also very important to the people of St John’s Aldenham. In addition to the weekly choral evensong, sung by a choir of four members, the church hosts a monthly concert of classical music on Saturday mornings, often given by students from London music colleges, preceded by coffee and cake. I'm hoping to use my musical experience to help the church develop its links with the community through music.
My last Sunday at St Michael’s will be 12th April, and my licensing service in Aldenham will be on 5th May. George and I will value your prayers for us as we pack up and prepare to move to a new community and church. And we will certainly be praying for you all as you navigate the period of the vacancy here. A vacancy draws on the commitment of key members of the church, and is also an opportunity for others to get more involved - "all hands to the pump" etc!
Be warned: the vacancy will not be short - it never is in the Church of England! The Parochial Church Council (PCC) will need to draw up a Parish Profile, and get it approved by the Diocese, before they can move to advertising the post. There are various official meetings, governed by law, which have to take place as part of this process. It's a good opportunity for people at St Michael's to focus on what this church's mission is, not just in general terms but in practical ones - what are we doing that is good, what is missing from our "offer", how can we make more of an impact for God's Kingdom in our community? And what sort of person should St Michael's be looking for to lead them into the future that God is planning for you all? Please be aware, Jesus Christ and St Paul are not available for the post! - you will need to be realistic, and prayerfully identify the particular skills, experience and vision that a new Rector will need to bring. They won't be good at everything!
In the meantime, the practical aspects of running St Michael's will be taken care of by the Vacancy Steering Group, led by James Mason. Please give them all your support, and take this opportunity to make your contribution in time, talents and money, so the mission of St Michael's church can continue and grow.
After 21 years in Sandhurst, George and I will be moving to Aldenham, a village between Watford and Radlett, where I will be the part-time Vicar of the church of John the Baptist. The title of the post is "House for Duty Vicar". This means that I won't get a stipend (aka salary), but will get to live in the vicarage rent-free in return for working on Sundays and two other days in the week.
The church has a small but enthusiastic congregation who are keen to grow and involve more families. The nearest state school is in Radlett, but there are private schools in the parish, a social club and a golf club. My brief is to help this proudly traditional congregation to reach out to new and younger people. The Bishop assures me that they are up for the challenge – and so am I! The church has 2 services per Sunday, at 10.30 and 6.30 pm. At the moment the morning services on 2 Sundays out of 4 are from the Book of Common Prayer. A key part of my work at the start will be to get to know the people of Aldenham village, and especially to make contact with families. I shall miss having our wonderful Family Worker Sarah Bishop helping me! Then we'll have to see what we can provide in terms of worship and social events that will help families to get connected with the church - and, more importantly, with God!
Music is also very important to the people of St John’s Aldenham. In addition to the weekly choral evensong, sung by a choir of four members, the church hosts a monthly concert of classical music on Saturday mornings, often given by students from London music colleges, preceded by coffee and cake. I'm hoping to use my musical experience to help the church develop its links with the community through music.
My last Sunday at St Michael’s will be 12th April, and my licensing service in Aldenham will be on 5th May. George and I will value your prayers for us as we pack up and prepare to move to a new community and church. And we will certainly be praying for you all as you navigate the period of the vacancy here. A vacancy draws on the commitment of key members of the church, and is also an opportunity for others to get more involved - "all hands to the pump" etc!
Be warned: the vacancy will not be short - it never is in the Church of England! The Parochial Church Council (PCC) will need to draw up a Parish Profile, and get it approved by the Diocese, before they can move to advertising the post. There are various official meetings, governed by law, which have to take place as part of this process. It's a good opportunity for people at St Michael's to focus on what this church's mission is, not just in general terms but in practical ones - what are we doing that is good, what is missing from our "offer", how can we make more of an impact for God's Kingdom in our community? And what sort of person should St Michael's be looking for to lead them into the future that God is planning for you all? Please be aware, Jesus Christ and St Paul are not available for the post! - you will need to be realistic, and prayerfully identify the particular skills, experience and vision that a new Rector will need to bring. They won't be good at everything!
In the meantime, the practical aspects of running St Michael's will be taken care of by the Vacancy Steering Group, led by James Mason. Please give them all your support, and take this opportunity to make your contribution in time, talents and money, so the mission of St Michael's church can continue and grow.
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