BUCKINGHAM BENEFICE

Rector's Ramblings

March 2009

In so many ways the eight years that Alyson and I have been in Buckingham have flown by, and it has been a real privilege to be a part of God’s work in this benefice.

During that period we have seen Whaddon added to our benefice, a greater sharing of gifts and resources across the benefice and growing friendships between our various congregations... even though each Church has very much kept its individual personality.

The benefice now stands on the brink of becoming a Team Ministry, and, although this won’t be a major change because we have already been working as a team should for some years now, it will be a sign of the churches’ growing commitment to each other. I’m only sorry I won’t be here to see that through!

However, as I said at the beginning of these “Ramblings”, it has been a privilege to be involved in worship and social events across the benefice, with all the variety which that has involved, and I know you will give the Ministry Team your support as they continue to cover the services and other events during the interregnum. Philip, especially, will need your support, as he becomes the “first port of call” for the whole benefice.

God is now calling Alyson and I to work in a different place, and I know already from people here who have family or friends in the Melton Mowbray area, that Melton has already been warned about what’s coming in their direction!  

We do hope you will continue to pray for us in our new ministry, as we will continue to pray for you, your search for a new rector and your ministry for God and his people into the future.

With every blessing.

Kevin Ashby