Photo: Vicar Julian (left) wishes Jonathan well in his new role at North Perrott, at our Palm Sunday Service on 9 April 2006.  Photo: Martin Ingrams.

A Farewell Letter from Jonathan

9 April 2006

I recently completed a questionnaire circulated by an organisation called Faith Net.  They are part of the South West Regional Assembly and are trying to get a picture of the level of activity of people from faith communities in their local area, over a wide range of issues that contribute to the well-being of neighbourhoods.  I relied on my own knowledge of what was happening at St. Andrew's, rather than anything more scientific, so I am sure that I will have underestimated what is going on.

However, it was heartening to do because it made me think about the very many ways in which people are getting involved, usually without any great fuss, but which can make a difference to the lives of those affected.  From transport to trade justice, from a place to meet for pre-school children to a day centre for more elderly citizens the range is impressive. Many people, too, give their time and work as volunteers to organisations across Taunton, making a rich and varied contribution to the life of the town, particularly towards those who are struggling.  I suspect when the results of the research are produced, we will find that faith communities are making a major contribution to efforts at improving our communities right across the south west.

While I was completing the questionnaire I was also thinking about some of the other countless ways people get involved: on committees, as school governors and of course through their daily work and in their home lives.  It's not just about joining in activities run by the church, but witnessing to the Good News we proclaim in all aspects of our living - doing what we can where we can - to serve God in the heart of our community.  For some that may mean keeping an eye on somebody we know who is not well, for others it may be visiting someone in hospital or helping out in a club for those who have had a stroke, or serving drinks and sandwiches at the food run; or organising a fellowship group, or it may be developing our great website or editing or contributing to Andy's Angle - the list goes on and on...  All of these activities ensure that the heart keeps beating in our community.  If you are feeling a bit gloomy, I can recommend spending some time thinking or finding out just what people are involved with - it will certainly cheer you up and may even give you ideas for getting involved as there is always room for more.

As I write this we are getting ourselves ready for our move to North Perrott, at the start of the Easter holiday.  It is hard to believe that we have been here almost 4 years, as the time has gone so quickly.  But I remember that when we came Reuben had yet to start school, and Joshua and James had not yet joined our family.  It has been a very rich experience for us as a family and it is with mixed feelings that we move on.  We have deeply appreciated the way we have been welcomed into the life of the parish over these last few years and we will take with us many fond memories.

In terms of my journey into priesthood St. Andrew's will remain the place where it all began, and a great place it has been too. When I arrived newly ordained it was with some trepidation; life as an ordained minister was a step into the unknown and I didn't really know just how it would work out.  I leave much more confident and a large part of that is due the graciousness and generosity of the community at St. Andrew's, and the ease with which you accepted another curate, without making me feel like one in a long line of many!

With thanks and every blessing in this special year commemorating 125 years of serving God in the heart of the community.

Jonathan

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