St Michael's Church, Kirby, Essex

The Parish Magazine a slowly expanding circulation of 350 and our Editor John Singleton is always glad to have contributions. We aim to serve the whole community with the magazine and are glad to include articles from groups in the village as well as articles from our members. Contents include a bird watch, the Rector's article (see word from the Rector), book reviews, puzzle page with prize, as well as including things going on in church and community.

FROM MY DESK

Dear Friends,

Sadly this will be my last Rector's article* since I shall be retiring at the end of September after nearly ten years in the Kirby and Great Holland parishes. Shall I be sad or glad? - well of course both!!

Firstly very sad because Annie and I have been extremely happy in our time with you, in fact this is the longest we have stayed anywhere in the whole of our married life together! It has been a privilege and a joy to serve such wonderful people and in such a beautiful area (how we will miss the beach and backwaters) and we have been so encouraged in many aspects of our work together. As you may know Annie has served full-time in the Diocese as the Parish Development Adviser for the Colchester Area and has really enjoyed her work - which has been much appreciated across the region. For myself, as someone who came relatively late into the full-time ministry, it has been a real 'labour of love' to serve in God's church. It has been a joy to see people come to faith and begin to live the amazing life that we can know in Christ, and something that has always and will continue to 'fire' me. What a blessing to have twelve people confirmed last month at St Michael's! I shall certainly miss the worship we have shared together and the work we have been involved in - so many projects blessed of the Lord, which you have faithfully supported. I shall miss the great privilege of coming alongside people at those important moments in life - and baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals have continued to bring me much joy. I shall miss so many good friendships, and the fun we've had together and the 'risks' we have taken on occasions - only to find the Lord wonderfully supporting.

However, we are all people on a pilgrimage and whilst there is sadness at leaving there will be joy at arrival - wherever that may be for us and who ever that may be for you - fresh energy and vision for us all to carry on the work of God! For Annie and I it will be a delight to be able to spend more time with our grandsons, it will also be a chance to explore with our dog 'Bob' a bit more of our beautiful country which is still a green and pleasant land. It will also be nice just to be a member of a local church and not have too many deadlines and responsibilities!!

We have felt very 'at home' in these parishes and well loved. In fact I could re-echo the words of Ezra whom I have been reading recently 'I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me.'** We thank you all for your support and encouragement over the last ten years at Kirby and know that God's gracious hand will be upon you as you seek to build his wonderful and eternal kingdom.
* wonderfully, it will be continued by various church members
** Ezra 7:28b

Best wishes,

Peter