My first introductory letter ........

In 1969 at twenty four, I was the youngest curate in an old Deanery. Now almost fifty years later I imagine, that I will be the oldest licensed member of what is to me a new Deanery.

I have to thank the Bishop, the Archdeacon and, of course, your Churchwardens for their trust in inviting and licensing me as your new Priest in Charge. Elizabeth and I are delighted to becoming co-members and fellow worshippers with the parish and congregation of Snods Edge.

We felt at home immediately when we attended a Communion service, impressed both by the welcome, the welcome pack and the invitation to become involved. Since then we have enjoyed the world famous teas, attended the Arts Festival, the Beer Festival and enjoyed ‘chicken in a basket’ at the Disco. All of which has made us feel at home here with you. Indeed each time we have visited the Vicarage we have felt the house welcoming us as warmly as the parish and the parishioners.

When I moved to Newcastle in 1978 to take up the post Vicar of St Andrews and Social Responsibility Adviser to the Bishop, I was welcomed by the Evening Chronicle as Britain’s first Punk Vicar. There has been a lot of water under a lot of bridges since those heady days and some hair loss!

I left Newcastle in 1987 to take up the post of Director of the Centre for Applied Christian Studies at Selly Oak in Birmingham. My eldest daughter wept the whole journey at leaving friends and the City behind. Since then my middle daughter returned to Newcastle for University, my Son moved back to the Newcastle and now my Grandson is here at University.

When I looked at St John’s web-site I was struck by the mission statement and the Parish Profile to both I found that I could say a very positive, Yes!

Any Christian Family able to affirm its commitment to worship, growth and service within a deeply Trinitarian tradition is very much a family that I would wish to be part of and am delighted that I now will be.

Since my appointment was announced a number of people have commented on how much happens at Snods Edge, based on the Church Hall as the centre of   lively activity which seeks to build community through festivals and teas and other activities, but also shared meals and prayer for the community and the challenges and opportunities people face in their daily lives.

This ideal has been described as ‘conviviality’, part of our understanding of what the ‘kingdom of heaven on earth’ means in practice. Con Vivere, literally living together, suggests developing trustful relationships enabling individuals to live a good life together in community.

Elizabeth and I look forward to living, working and worshipping with you.

May I wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Geoff.

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