Raymond and Alison’s departure after 30+ years at St John’s will leave a big hole in our church life. We will probably all be feeling mixed emotions: sadness, loss, thankfulness for all they did, apprehension, etc. Over time this may turn to anticipation or even excitement about what God has planned for us in the post-Raymond era.
St John’s will continue to meet as God’s people in Haydon Wick, but it will be a new normal. Other people will be trying to cover all the things Raymond and Alison did, but this will give many of
us an extra workload, so some things may take longer than usual or not happen at all. Please be patient and bear with one another in love over the coming weeks.
Officially, it is our churchwardens, Sharon and Ali who have responsibility for the running of the church when there is no vicar. Simon will be taking the main responsibility for organising the Sunday services. If you would normally have spoken to Raymond about something, please talk to one of them instead.
This could also be a golden opportunity for you to try out something new in St John’s. Please think and pray about whether there is any new way in which you would like to contribute to the life of the church and if anything comes to mind, please talk to Sharon, Ali or Simon. Any offers could lighten the burden on everyone else.
“When each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love” Ephesians 4:16 (GNB)