On the 17th October I had to announce to both Parishes that I’ve been appointed to the role of Assistant Diocesan Director of Education and as a result will be leaving Bethersden and High Halden on January 16th. I promise no ‘crocodile tears’ about this – the genuine truth is I and the family will be sorry to leave, we are thankful for the loving care of many and for the privilege of living in and serving these beautiful villages in this gorgeous part of the world’s best county, Kent. Also, I feel a strong sense of guilt about leaving after quite a short period: I always try to set myself for the long-term wherever I go and yet, whether it’s a gift or a kind of curse – and it feels often to be as much one as the other – it seems as if once again God’s call has come now rather than later. I apologise to all who may feel ‘let down’, even betrayed – please forgive! – and I thank all those who have been so lovely in offering support and encouragement.
I do feel absolutely dreadful about having made this decision; and yet I know it is right. It has been very difficult, but I realise even more the difficulties it creates for others.
I want briefly to review the last two years because only if I believe there has been some achievement can I feel content that this is the right moment to move on. I think we can see that:
- We have tried some new things, some of which may yet take deep root and flourish. Strongest in my view, are the High Halden ‘web’ churches. Bethersden’s is still feeling its way forward. ‘Fresh church’ at Bethersden will only survive if it is given much stronger support by the whole church membership.
- Our administration, centred on Shirley, has become stronger and better-organised; behind the scenes we have moved into electronic communication, which has been a major step for some.
- Our Cluster partnership with Biddenden and Smarden has continued and been a joyful experience; and rather than pretend the four parishes can be one unit, we have worked together very effectively at things we can do better together, in COSMIC Y and Wedding Preparation. I am thankful to Alex Bienfait in particular for being an excellent colleague and friend.
- The appointment of Lindsay Roberts at High Halden School marks the opportunity to build on all that went before and develop ever stronger connections between Church, School, and Families.
- The ‘Friends’ of both Churches are strong in their own right; I believe that we have deepened and improved our mutual understanding. For both groups, the process of dialogue about partnership with the PCCs has been constructive, even though I didn’t get my way about the outcome! That doesn’t matter – the conversation has been important. And, thanks to a generous legacy, Bethersden are ready to open up the use of the building and we have a good process in place, and an excellent Project Manager, to take that forward.
- We have stepped forward in our liturgy and worship to do ‘more with less’ and established Prayer at St Margaret’s at a deeper level than before.
The word now seems to be CONSOLIDATION. One person described the rate of change in the last 24 months as ‘eye-watering’. It is right therefore to pause and make what we have started together become stronger and more deep-rooted.
There will be questions about future leadership – the Deanery of Tenterden is likely to become united with that of Romney; the Diocese has proposals before it to change the whole system of parish funding. Both these issues will have big impacts on all village churches and their staffing. I urge everyone to support and encourage the Church Wardens and Readers as they grasp the future and look for the next steps forward. Time will tell what is possible and affordable – I want to say that we must engage with the concerns of the Bishop and Archdeacon and try and work with them and other parishes on the basis of ministerial need. My view is that we need more than clergy – this area needs a Youth Minister and possibly a Schools Worker (perhaps those are two aspects of the same job); and it needs to develop its mission and find forms of church that connect with contemporary society. It will not be enough just to keep on keeping the same old show on the road!
As ever, times of change are times both of threat and opportunity. I’m sorry to create the threat but hope you will embrace the opportunity. I will miss Bethersden and High Halden, and I will always be thankful for the gift you have given us – of fellowship and travelling together.
Yours in Christ
