A season for everything.
A sad goodbye.
This is not an easy letter to write. But when God calls, we must answer.
A few weeks ago the Bishop of Plymouth invited me to take up the post of Vicar of Bovey Tracey St John with Heathfield and Team Vicar in the Newton Abbot Team Ministry with special responsibility for the parish of St Luke, Milber in the Diocese of Exeter. I have accepted this offer and subject to the completion of all legal formalities will be leaving St. Anselm on Easter Sunday before taking up my new post in mid-April.
This news was shared at mass on Sunday in both St. Anselm and in the parishes in Exeter Diocese, you can read the full announcement below.
Catherine, Edmund and I have shared the most amazing 4 and a bit years with you. I was writing letters and covering masses from October 2019 and was put in officially in July 2020 in between lockdowns.
It was a tough old time for everyone, but we pulled together and over the last 3 years in particular have seen a huge resurgence in St. Anselm.
We have re-grown the congregation and worshiping community to over 100 people, we have sorted the finances, we have two new amazing church wardens and a keen PCC. We have a new Mission Priest and we have ‘unsuspended’ the parish – meaning a new Vicar will be with you after I leave.
St. Anslem is in a strong place and I know that my departure will open up new opportunities, ideas, and thinking.
We love you all very much and look forward to sharing the next few months together; celebrating what has been achieved and working to look to the next season of praising God at St. Anselm – where will the Holy Spirit take us next!?
Fr. Matthew, Catherine & Edmund. x
The following letter was read out in all parishes on Sunday 7th January.
Notices for this week
If you would like to read at Church on Sunday Mornings please be in touch with Susan Chick. We’ve loved hearing from new people and hearing new languages. There is a rota on the display board at the back of church to sign up.
Sunday School returns for the new year NEXT week (14th). We’re so grateful to our volunteers but it would be really helpful for others to help out. If you’ve got ideas on more we can be doing to encourage children to be a fuller member of our family, please be in touch with Fr. Josiah or Susan Chick.
Fr. Matthew will be offering home blessings this coming week as we celebrate Epiphany. If you would like your home blessed please be in touch with him directly or use the sign up sheet at the back of church.
Please support the church generously through your giving via – www.stanselm.co.uk/giving