Dear Friends

It really is hard to believe that this is my last “The Rector Writes”, after nearly eight years in Buckingham. Still, no goodbyes until the farewell service & “do” on Sunday 15^th March! I do hope you are able to join us for the Benefice Family Communion Service at 10.00 a.m. followed by food etc. at 11.30. It would also be good to see you at my institution service in Melton Mowbray at 7.30 p.m. on 29^th April. There are plenty of seats for all… and a coach is being arranged by the Parish Office!

As we prepare for a new challenge parish-wise, we also look forward to a new challenge grandparent-wise. Imogen, our first grand-child, was born on 18^th February, and Alyson and I would like to thank those who sent cards, gifts or good wishes… they really were much appreciated.

Seeing a new-born baby, with all of the possibilities and opportunities which lie ahead for her, is a reminder that God constantly gives us the offer of a new start, a new beginning in our lives. For us, Melton offers us new opportunities for the mission and ministry God has called us to and equipped us for. For you, God is calling someone new to come and minister to you and with you in Buckingham. That person will bring their own particular gifts with them, and God will open up new opportunities for outreach through those gifts. Alyson and I will continue to pray for you, as you work together for God here, as I hope you will continue to pray for us as we begin a new phase in our ministry. Please, just don’t warn Melton about what they’re getting!

By the way, if you sponsored me for the Fun-Run (which became a Fun [Snow] Walk!) at Nash last month… you are let off if you like, as the roads were far too treacherous to run on, though the walk across the snowy fields was quite exhilarating! If you do decide to pay your sponsorship, can you please let the Parish Office have the money as soon as possible. It is all going to a good cause, Nash Village Hall, which the Church there uses for all sorts of events. By the way, I was presented with a prestigious medal after the event… not for any athletic achievement… but for wearing the silliest hat!

There are a number of special services and events this month as we begin the Lenten season.

Firstly, a reminder about the Deanery Lent Evensongs in various villages in our deanery each Sunday evening at 6.00 during Lent, with some excellent speakers… see elsewhere in this magazine for more details.

During the Sunday morning 10.00 Communion service on 8^th March we will be commissioning our Pastoral Visiting Team. The theme of the service will be the fact that each one of us have a duty of care to each other as God’s people… but we are grateful to those who have especially set aside time and exhibited gifts for pastoral work.

 Then on 22^nd March there is the Mothering Sunday Family Communion at 10.00 p.m. with a distribution of posies. I do hope you will come along to that service and thank God not only for our earthly mothers, but also for mother church.

With every blessing for the future.