2019
On Sunday, March 24th, our vicar Paul Hinton announced that that he was leaving the parish to take up a new post as Head of Ministry Formation with the diocese.
He had been our vicar for just over ten years, and his last Sunday with us was June 16th-
MOVING ON
One of my favourite hymns is 'I heard the voice of Jesus say'. It captures the sense for me of the Way of the Cross which is shaped by Christ's invitation to join the Way and my own personal response and willingness to say Yes. The final sentence of the hymn is:
‘I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk
till travelling days are done.'
Throughout life, I have learned that saying Yes to Christ has always been a challenge and has often been about letting go. On March 24th, I shared with the congregation about one of those tough decisions and struggles in the journey of Yes to Christ.
On Trinity Sunday – June 16th – I will be taking on a new role and will be leaving St Hilda's. A month ago, this was not an announcement I expected to be making. I have been appointed by the Bishop of Birmingham to the new position of Head of Ministry Formation for authorised and licensed ministry. This mouthful of a description simply means I will have responsibility of the training of curates, Readers, Lay Pastoral Teams and other forms of lay and ordained ministry in the diocese.
More importantly, be assured that over the coming weeks we will begin preparations for all that will need to be done to set this most beloved church community in good order for a path of transition. The Wardens, Ministry Team and PCC will be kept full informed as to the correct steps and the way forward.
The God who invited me to say Yes to you 10 years ago is at this moment working in the life of the one whom he will invite another Yes from for the coming years of St Hilda's. Be assured of my continued prayers for you all in the coming days and months.
Paul
NOVEMBER 17th-
DEDICATION OF ALTAR CLOTH IN MEMORY OF DAVID HICKMAN
