St. Stephen's Church, Winsham |
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Rector's E-Letter - March 24 2024
Dear Friends
On Sunday it was announced that Reverend Michelle and I have been
appointed to become the next Vicar of Minehead, sharing the role in the
same way as we do here, and moving to Minehead in the summer holidays.
We will be very sad to leave indeed, but are looking forwards to all
that the future holds on Exmoor!
In February 2017 I remember putting the finishing touches to an
application form that, little did I know, would change my life. I
was coming to the end of my curacy in Honiton, and Michelle and I had
only got married two months before. This was always going to be a
big move, as we embarked on a new life together, living together for the
first time, and learning how to do ministry together. When we saw
the Parish Profile (the official document that gets produced for
prospective clergy that describes the place and role looking to be
filled) Michelle and I remember thinking that this could well be the
one. There was something about it that called us to dig deeper.
I went to see my Bishop (who is now Bishop of London - Dame Sarah
Mullaly), who had been so supportive of me through curacy and even given
me one-to-one interview training! She read the profile with me and
simply said, "you can do this". I can still hear those words now.
The rest, as they say, is history!
The 7 years since then have been such a joy. We have been through
so much with you all, and we have learnt so much from you all.
Just personally we have welcomed two children into the world, been
through major bereavement and health issues, learnt how to be a married
couple with 4 kids between us, how to job share the role of Rector, and
much more - and you have helped us in all of that. Beyond the
'normal' work of the parish priest we have journeyed together through
major events, particularly how to do and 'be' church through the COVID
pandemic; but also responding as churches to events in the life of the
nation, such as the Platinum Jubilee, deaths of Prince Philip and of
Queen Elizabeth II, and the Coronation of King Charles III. It has
been a privilege to lead the churches of the Benefice through all of
these, and a joy to be involved in all that you have done and continue
to do.
Michelle and I have discerned over the last few months that God is now
calling us to a new horizon, not because we are unhappy here (far from
it) but because it is time to move on. This time comes to all
parish priests (just look at the vicar board in any of the churches!)
and anyone who has sensed God's call on their lives will know that you
turn it down in vain. God is leading us to be the Vicar of
Minehead in the same way that he led us to you. We are excited to
be entering this new, and very different, time of ministry - but we are
also incredibly sad to be leaving Two Shires. Making the
announcement in our churches on Sunday was very definitely the hardest
thing I have ever had to do in ministry, and Michelle and I thank you
most deeply for your kind words that you have shared since.
We are not leaving just yet - we will be completing the school year here
and likely moving in August, so a bit of time to go! It will be a
busy time of tying up loose ends and as far as is possible preparing the
Benefice for Interregnum. It is going to be a daunting time for
all us, but I know that God is with you as he is with us and in our
departure are the first steps to new beginnings of the next stage in
ministry here in Two Shires. God is already working with whoever
is coming next - so trust in that!
As we embark on this time of transition - which perhaps so appropriately
begins now in Holy Week, the ultimate week of transition, you might like
to reflect on these words from the Sarum Primer (1514) and well known as
an anthem by Walford Davies:
God be in my head and in my understanding.
This Easter will be extra special for us, and we hope to see as many of
you as possible as we journey through it.
With every blessing for Holy Week;
Philip & Michelle
The Reverends Philip & Michelle
Butcher
Rector - Two Shires Benefice
(Tatworth, Thorncombe, Winsham, Chaffcombe & Cricket Malherbie)
The Vicarage
3 Home Farm
Tatworth
Chard
TA20 2SH
01460 221286
Rest Days - Mondays (Tuesdays
where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please
allow up to a week for responses. Mornings are best times for phone contact! |
THE TWO SHIRES BENEFICE
Ministry Team
Rector:
Rev. Philip Butcher,
The
Rectory, 3 Home Farm,
Tatworth
TA20 4SH
Tel: 01460 221286
e-mail: twoshiresrector@gmail.com Day off: Monday
Associate Rector: Rev. Michelle Butcher-as above. E-mail:revmichelle22@gmail.com
Asst. priest:
Rev. Judith Abbot,
‘Brayton’,
Wreath Green,
Tatworth
TA20 2SN
Tel:
01460 220689
Readers:
Mrs
Mary Dewar,
11 Watermead,
Tatworth
TA20 2QN
Tel: 01460 221268
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The history of St Stephen's Church-dating from the 13th Century-Click HERE