With Liz leaving towards the end of February, you may find me celebrating
the Eucharist a little more often than you have of late. It has not been
pleasant to feel the way I have done, more recently, and it is my hope that
you will understand my position and support me in my decision to go now
rather than later.
Of course, a new adventure begins for us all, not least for Linda and me. We
need to find somewhere to live with the support of the Church, and that has
to be outwith the parish boundaries.
It also has to suit a couple entering their dotage, as we will be expected to
live there until death us do part. That may take some time, but worth taking
the time to ensure the right move is made.
I arrived in St Augustine’s in 2001, and in St Mungo’s five years ago. I have
had a wonderful 40+ years of ministry, and there will be opportunities to
reflect on that with you all by the time the removal van comes to take us
away.
So many memories are extremely happy ones and times of much fun and
laughter as we have ushered in little glimpses of God’s Kingdom together.
Of course, there have been very sad losses, and the occasional set-back,
but during my ministry here I have felt more loved and supported than
anywhere else I have ever been.
For that I thank you and am eternally grateful. Latterly, sharing ministry with
Liz O’Bryan has been uplifting, challenging, and extremely fruitful. We are
losing a kind priest, a loving and caring pastor, a joy to work with, a trusted
confidant, and a bringer of love and devotion.
She will leave a gaping hole in our parish life and a time of sorrow and
sadness at her leaving. However, it is time for Liz to have her own parish
with her own people, and the folk in Haddington are lucky to be getting her
as their new Rector. She goes with our love, our prayers, and our best
wishes. Thank you, Liz, for all that you have given us as a congregation, and
to Linda and me personally.
Much will now have to be done as you now face an interregnum.
We will face that together, with the Dean and the new Bishop, knowing that
our Father God will be with us as ever, inspiring us with the Spirit, as we
seek to continue to serve his Son.
As it is said, Emmanuel!
Kenny
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