Many of you will know that Helen and I had to spend a good month at the beginning of the year caring for family members.  It has become clear that this is going to continue for the foreseeable future.

After a process of discernment we have come to the conclusion that our vocation to our family and my vocation as Rector of Baldock and Bygrave are not mutually sustainable.

Therefore after nearly 18 years as Rector of Baldock and Bygrave it is with very mixed feelings that I have written to the Bishop informing him that I am planning to retire.  Our last Sunday in this benefice will be Sunday 26^th June before we move not too far away into a house we have bought in Sandy. 

This is also Emma Wilkinson’s last Sunday here before she is ordained and transfers to St Thomas’s Wilbury to serve her curacy.  We decided together we wanted to be there for each other’s farewell and so plan to have one ‘party to end all parties’ rather than two smaller ones.

The last 18 years have I think been the happiest and most fulfilling of my life and years in which I believe we have clearly seen God move amongst us, healing, inspiring, occasionally judging, often cajoling and enabling.  As a Christian community we have listened to the Holy Spirit and I believe he has done some incredible things among us. 

There will be lots of time for lots more words but I want to put it on record today that I feel extremely privileged to have been your Rector and that Helen and I have felt upheld and supported over the years by your warmth, friendship and love.

Blessings,

Andrew