By now, you may have heard my exciting news. I have been appointed to the role of Area Dean for the Swindon deanery. I take up the new position on the1st June.
I am aware that I will need to review my existing work as Vicar of Christ Church and delegate some things so that I can give my new Area Dean role the commitment, faith and passion it requires. Yesterday, I was interviewed again by Lynda and Pam our church Wardens who are gifted in strategic reviews, with the intention of reviewing my work and coming up with a clear job description, aims and objectives for the next period of time. I am the guinea pig here and once this has been done for me , all my ministerial and lay colleagues will have a similar opportunity. This will give us all the chance to understand how we can best work together in the light of my new responsibilities.
You will be aware I could only take on this role with Nicola's incredible support and an outstanding team of colleagues. On top of this, with financial support from the diocese, I have a new work consultant, Keith Lamdin, Principal of Sarum College; and we also rely upon the support of our spiritual director and cell group. As I go forward in my ministry, affirmation and accountability become increasingly important alongside constructive criticism. More than anything else, I know God wants me to be a good husband and a good dad, please pray that this will be so. You will be pleased to hear I had a medical a fortnight ago, which was fine. We rely upon you to continue to tell us what we need to hear and promise we will look after ourselves.
I will be in touch again with more details especially when my Induction in this new role will take place.
I write this with our love and prayers that you too will know God's guidance in whatever you are facing. Nicola and I are very aware we have been through a huge amount over the last year and in many ways, Uganda, our exchange as a family in America and my Renaissance mid service programme have led up to this opportunity. Vulnerability has always been a central foundation of my ministry because it has opened me up to the power of God's grace. We feel to those to whom much is given, much will be required therefore while the responsibility given to me by Bishop Mike is somewhat daunting, I know from past experience that, when I am weak , I am strong. Also I will be encouraging teamworking wherever possible, looking for other colleagues, lay and ordained, to develop their ministries alongside of me to make our Bristol Diocesan Mission Strategy a reality in the Swindon Deanery.
I have postponed my study leave for 2 years. I am looking forward very much to the arrival of a new Curate, Trudie Wigley who is coming in July as a wonderful unexpected gift. While I have investigated since Renaissance the possibility of doing an MA on Missional Leadership, I have now put that on hold for the foreseeable future.
We are thoroughly enjoying having Thomas home for the Easter holidays from Durham University. He is having lots of fun and laughter with his brothers, especially Hugo who loves wrestling!! We were very privileged last Friday to hear Archbishop John Sentamu speak at St John's college, Durham. He gave an inspiring call to pray and serve the nation in all possible ways.
With our love and prayers for you.
Simon