September Article for the Parish Magazines.

When I arrived in these Parishes one of the first people to say 'hello' was John Comber; it was just after we had moved in. John was passing the Rectory to go and practise the organ in St Peter's. We introduced ourselves to each other, and then John declared that we would be 'very happy' in these parishes, he was sure of it.

To be honest, I was less sure. The previous three years had been a frightening descent into ill health, and a slow recovery back to being fit for work, albeit part time. There had been moments of happiness, and blessed mercies, and kindnesses, but in total they had been hard years. I hoped the worst was behind me, but it was still difficult to look forward with confidence. Also, Chronic Fatigue brings constant physical and mental pain, sometimes tolerable, sometimes not, so it can be difficult to feel happy even if your outward circumstances are indeed favourable.

John was right. My time in the Welland Foss has been a happy one. The parishes have been supportive, I have seen God at work, and my health is better than it was.

Perhaps I should more often take note of what organists tell me.

On Sunday the 26^th of July of this year it was announced in services that I have 'been appointed Priest-in-Charge (half-time) for the Benefice of Kirkdale with Harome, Nunnington and Pockley.' The same announcement was made in those Parishes on that same day. The information had been embargoed until then. That's the system in the Church of England, no one knows until everyone knows. It makes for a harsh jolt, but the alternative of telling a few people first would be invidious, and warning parishioners of a potential move may cause concern that could prove unfounded.

I suppose the other alternative is to have been sufficiently incompetent, or objectionable, so when the announcement is made everyone is quietly relieved even if they manage to feign polite disappointment.

In the winter of 2025 – 2026 I had experienced a significant flare up of my condition, almost certainly due to doing too much. A relapse of my illness threatened losing home and income again, so I enquired what guard-rails might be put in place to help avoid this precipice. Apparently nothing could be done...

As many will have gathered, Jacqui and I feel a great deal of affection for North Yorkshire, so when a set of parishes became vacant there that had the clear potential for putting in place those very necessary guard-rails, I applied. I had hoped and expected to be in the Welland Foss Benefice for longer. I have indeed been happy here, and it seems as best I can tell that parishioners have been happy with me. Sometimes Providence is inscrutable. If it is right for me to move, God must have a better plan for the Welland Foss parishes than me staying. As it says in Proverbs 16, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

It is not customary for Vicars to explain their reasons for moving on, but I wish these parishes well, and have a great deal of respect and affection for the people, and while some have asked a little about why I am moving on, most are too polite to enquire, so I thought I would give an account as best I could.

As the person tasked by the church to call congregations to repentance, I apologise for any times I have not got things right 'through ignorance, through weakness, or

through my own deliberate fault.'

May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you, may the Lord look kindly on you, and give you peace. Amen.