Dear Friends
Farewell
The opening words from the song “So Long, Farewell” in the
Musical Sound of Music fit my mood as
I write to you this morning:
There's a sad sort of clanging/From the clock in the hall/And the bells
in the steeple, too
I have always hated saying goodbye. I remember as a ten-year
old visiting my Grand-parents for a few weeks at Christmas and tearing up, not
wanting to leave, that heavy feeling in my insides. I feel it again as I say
goodbye to you all, to Corpus Christi, to the Archdeaconry and Diocese. It is a
sign, I think, of having been happy in this space.
As Dawn said at our Farewell on Sunday, my time at Corpus
Christi has been a space of growth on many levels for me, and this is true both
at Parish and Diocesan level. I leave feeling I have gained far more than I
have given, with thankfulness for all of you. And I will remember you, our
diversity and ability to embrace each other, as I begin the next chapter.
While there is sadness, there is also the expectant joy of
new beginnings, a different adventure, a new hope. Dawn and I look forward to
building a new sense of togetherness in our new home and Parish as we begin a
new Chapter that marks that transition into the second-half of life. We have
become aware over the last while that with adult children we need to identify
new priorities for our relationship and for ourselves, and we look forward to
Cape Town as a space in which we will be able to explore and build in new
directions.
I have also been aware over the last while, that while the
Churchwardens and Council have continued to affirm my ministry at Corpus
Christi, that it is also time for you to transition into a new space. It has
been exciting to see how we have embraced the mission and vision identified
during 2012, and in many ways that is my parting gift to you. Our mission and
vision reflect the growth that has taken place in our midst over the last
almost nine years, and gives impetus to being a community that impacts on the
greater breadth of our involvement in the world for God.
As Corpus Christi enters in to what will hopefully be a
brief interregnum, I pray you will hold fast to the promises of Philippians
4:4-9 (NRSV), that says:
Rejoice in the Lord
always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone.
The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the
peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and
received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Thank you from Dawn and myself for our wonderful Farewell
last Sunday. It was truly a blessing to be reminded of our glorious diversity as
we celebrated our heritage together! Thank you for all the wonderful gifts that
will remind us of you all in the future. And if you find yourselves in Cape Town,
please give us a call as it will be wonderful to catch-up.
Blessings
Mark
