Sunday, 15 June 2025

Goodbye, And Godspeed, My Friend

Here's our Parish Church - All Saints Swanton Morley. And here's Bob with the vicar, Rev Rachael Dines.

This picture was taken last year, after the Men's Shed refurbished the noticeboards in the church porch.
This morning Bob and I will be worshipping here, because it is Rachael's last Sunday as the village vicar. She is about to move to a new parish at Amble in Northumbria.
I will really miss her, she has become a great friend in her time here.

We have heaps in common - both teachers, both daughters of the clergy, both passionate about preaching, and both very fond of needlework [and also the excellent breakfasts served here] Thank you for being a friend, Rachael.
The people of Amble will be truly blessed to have her. May God continue to use her, and bless her, as she brings blessings to others.


26 comments:

  1. She'll be in my prayers for the next few days. It's only fifteen years since I retired but clergy today have a much harder time than I did.

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  2. I feel for her congregation and friends. For many many years our church had newly qualified vicars who always came for 6 years before moving on; each time it was a wrench to see them go, and wait for the next 'newbie' to arrive. (We're a Parish church now, so the vicar is here for as long as they want to stay).

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  3. I often wonder what would have happened if women hadn't been allowed to be ordained.
    There would be very few churches in use now I think.
    I hope whoever arrives for your village is another lovely person.

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  4. Bless her in her new venture. Regards Sue H

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  5. I'm sure you will miss her, she sounds a delightful person.

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  6. I hope that you will have some opportunities to meet up with your friend even after she moves to a new parish. And I hope that the new vicar who comes to your parish will become an equally good friend.

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  7. God bless her and you all, whilst awaiting her replacement!

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  8. I just worshipped at St Peter and Paul's in Aldeburgh with a female vicar presiding AND bishop preaching! It was a joy!

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    1. Wonderful!! I hope you get a chance to walk along that lovely beach

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  9. Good luck Rev. Rachel, hope the move goes smoothly. What a beautiful part of the UK she is moving to. Maybe you and Bob will have the opportunity to visit sometime.

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  10. It's always hard to say goodbye to a loved spiritual director, and it must be hard for them, too, arriving in a new parish. I pray that Rachael will find new blessings as she moves on, and that her replacement will be a blessing for you all.

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  11. Sending hugs to you Angela ❤️ and all good wishes to your lovely friend as she navigates life in a new parish. We are off up to Alnwick in July, Northumbria is my happy place x

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  12. There seems to be a very big shortage of ministers and priests in all the Christian branches in Australia. I’m Anglican and there seems to be more women than men also. Best wishes to your friend. I sometimes feel that the most competent clergy get moved on to more troubled areas of great need. Bless you all as if all branches of religions could mirror your love and support for each other ‘what a wonderful world it would be’ JennyP

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  13. I hope that Rachael will settle in quickly to her new parish and will feel welcomed in the community. You will miss her being close by especially as you have so much in common but I'm sure you will keep in touch across the miles. The bond of friendship is too firm to break.

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