It’s with a heavy heart that I write this. I’ve decided it’s time for me to leave St Stephens. I’ve handed in my notice, which has been accepted by the Bishop. This isn’t what I want to do, it’s purely about being nearer my children following my family break up. I will be very sad to leave St Stephens. It’s been a very hard decision, but I feel the right decision for me and my children. It’s just what I have to do. I hope you can understand this.
I will be leaving in August, and I really want the chance to chat with as many of you guys as I can before I leave, to give you all the chance to say what you need, and to be heard. Let’s please make the time to meet one-to-one sometime in July or August.
St Stephens has always been a place of real faith. I’ve seen it in you from the beginning. In faith, we trust to God for everything, and place our future, the future of St Stephens, and our eternal salvation into Your loving hand O Lord. As a people of faith, we have the peace to let go of not being in control and to trust in God. Do not worry, let go of your burdens, we cannot solve all our own problems… and we don’t have to! Through our faith, we can place our trust and our hope into the loving hands of a loving God who wants nothing from us, but to be in a loving relationship with each and every one of us. St Stephens has always shined in this faith; I hope and pray you will continue to do so. Amen.
You’re truly a wonderful church, and I love you all, and this place, dearly. I want to end by
saying a massive thank you to each and every
member of this church family, for everything you’ve done for St Stephens, for me and my family, and in service to the Lord. It truly has been a privilege and a joy to have been a part of this church family, and to have been your vicar over these last 4 years. I love St Stephens and you guys, and will miss you all.
God bless you, Revd. Jon
