Dear Friends,
During our church services on Sunday 10th March I shared the news of my resignation as Priest in Charge for the parishes of Offwell, Widworthy and Farway, this was following a meeting with the churchwardens and following the tendering of my resignation with the Rt. Rev’d Jackie Searle, Acting Bishop of Exeter and Bishop of Crediton. The decision to resign was not made lightly or quickly but came after much discernment and prayer over many weeks. The decision was made in response to several clear indications that my ministry didn’t have the full local support and trust that I needed to continue. Ruth and I feel deeply saddened that we will be leaving Offwell so soon. We have both felt tremendously welcomed by the village community in Offwell since we arrived in 2022, and have felt at home here from day one. We don’t currently know where we will be moving to, but we trust in God and expect that we will find a home in due course. Just in case there is any doubt, and to help clear things up, I have not received a better offer. And I was not asked to leave. I am also not going on to ‘bigger or better things’ as has also been said. Nor am I leaving parish ministry; or moving into town or city ministry. When I moved to Offwell, it was because I felt deeply called to support rural churches, that so often find being a parish church harder due to limited resources and reduced priestly ministry. In addition to this, my ministry in Offwell, Widworthy and Farway also helped inform my paid job as Mission Enabler for the CofE across Devon, in a way that added further value to the perspective of rural parishes in strategic decision making. More importantly however, Ruth and I moved here because, before applying, we met and spoke to people living and working in these parishes, and we were made to feel very welcomed. We also read the ‘Parish Profile’ which is the document that the parish churches use to articulate what they are looking for from their parish priest. Ruth and I felt at ease, and had a sense of peace that we could do some good here, and make Offwell our home. We feel very sad and very sorry that it hasn’t worked out. My intention was to lead the church services through Holy Week and then finish on 31st March with an Easter sermon. However, for reasons I will not share here, I no longer feel able to do that. The Archdeacon for this area, the Venerable Andrew Beane, has offered his support, which I am incredibly grateful for, and he has spoken to the churchwardens to offer cover for the services. My notice period has not yet been served in full, and I will be using this time to continue offering pastoral support and prayer ministry. I will also attend events as much as possible in my capacity as a resident priest. I have not disappeared. I will attend events where I am invited, up until when my last day of ministry is announced. Ruth and I have received many lovely and kind messages from residents and church members which we have really appreciated. It has felt like a big warm hug from friends and neighbours, which has certainly helped to pick us up from the sadness of having to make a decision like this. Thank you so much, it has really helped. Revd Tracey Voysey has also been a wonderful support to me, and to Ruth over the last few weeks. Tracey has been a wise voice, a listening ear, and an understanding and supportive friend. And for that we feel extremely blessed. My last pastoral message for the parishes will be in the Link Newsletter this month, and with it I convey my sincere and heartfelt thanks to you all. For everything. It has been a lot of fun with plenty of joy, and there is more to come for these parishes. For that I am certain. Yours in the love and faithfulness of Christ. Jeremy (and Ruth). |
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