Churches in the Longnor Benefice

So, my last “View from” has arrived! I remember my first as if it was yesterday, and yet so very much has happened in the four and a quarter years since then. I must admit I have been putting off putting words to paper this month, although to be fair missing the deadline (sorry Tony) is not just down to prevarication, honest!! Words are not enough to describe the joy and honour it has been to be part of the Ipstones, Onecote, and Butterton Communities, and more latterly part of the whole Deanery community.

I have found so much to love here, and it’s the people that make it. Yes, the countryside is fabulous, the church buildings beautiful havens of spirituality, ageless peace and a witness to generations of love, life and death. But it’s the people I have met that has been so special. When I was writing stuff for the advert and recruitment pack (yes the advert is out for the jobs) I described the people of the area as “strong, resilient, independent, capable and all the villages/villagers are resilient, community minded and hard-working, with the majority of villagers being straight talking and practical, pragmatic people, proud of their area and heritage” and indeed you are, as well as welcoming, inclusive, generous, caring and loving, and indeed whether active Christians or not, “faith -full”.

When I look back, so much has happened, so much has changed and yet so much has stayed the same, in that timeless way in this part of the world. `When I arrived covid was still a worry and life had changed for everybody. We have welcomed new villagers and new families, baptised many, many babies, children and some adults, and seen families grow and thrive. We have celebrated weddings with laughter and joy, and in at least one wedding quite a lot of tractors. And we have said good bye to what at times feels like too many special people, key people in our villages and families. I have been privileged to walk alongside you all in that rhythm of life, celebrating, enjoying and weeping with you.

I am grateful to the Churchwardens, the Family Group of Churches Leadership Team, the Deanery Forum and Deanery Treasurers for all they are doing to keep everything going in the vacancy period and I am praying that a great priest finds themselves called to serve you all here. After 5th April, any church queries please take to your local churchwardens or contact the Leadership Team Chair, Toby Gaddum. I finish on Easter Sunday so after that although we are still organising the move until the day we leave (21st April) I have no “licence to practice” so am no longer able to be available to you as your vicar. As Jane and Emma, we are of course, always happy to help.

So the view is tinged with a great deal of sadness as I watch the notorious Peak weather patterns play across the garden, and think back over a God given, God filled and wonderful time with you all. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the love, hospitality and laughter and for all you have done, for and with me in God’s name. And as we say at the end of every service:

May the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you, and all who you love, cherish and remember. Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.

Revd Jane