Rector's Letter - May 2026 

I write this just before Easter, sitting at my desk, surrounded by slowly diminishing piles of paperwork. By the time you read this I shall be a Vicar in absentia, heading off to Italy, at the beginning of my sabbatical. There I will walk the Northern section of the Way of St Francis, starting at the place where he discerned his call from God, and ending up 200km later, in Assisi, where I shall join the English Anglican Franciscan community there for their Sunday service.

A sabbatical is a strange beast; it is neither work nor holiday, but “time out” from the normal round of commitments to refresh and renew. I have had one previous sabbatical in my time as an ordained minister; in 2012, when I revisited Israel, having worked there briefly for their national park’s authority in the 1980’s. The National Parks where I worked in Israel perform much the same purpose as those in our own country and elsewhere: They have roles to play in conservation and in recreation, and many people enjoy both these aspects, as they do in this country. They also have another primary role; that of re-creation; refreshing our humanity and reconnecting us to our creator. That links me back to the whole purpose of a sabbatical – re-creation.

I’m back in the UK late-May and then shall be both around locally and off on mini pilgrimages; in my last Diocese, Exeter, where a number of small pilgrimage routes have been established in recent years, telling the stories of local saints; then a brief trip to Liverpool for an urban pilgrimage considering the spiritual intensity that cities and deprived areas can bring, and contrasting the very different presentations of our Christian faith offered by the two great Cathedral buildings there; I then head on to Scotland to retrace some of the journey of an ancestor of mine (John Brown of Haddington, if you’re interested), whose faith was very different from my own, but whose writings have both challenged and inspired me; then, I end up heading for the Holy Island of Lindisfarne for a few days reflection and retreat. I return to my role as your Rector on Monday 27th July.

To answer a question that has been asked several times: Alison is not coming with me. She has her own full-time role and continues in this. We will meet up at various points and have dedicated a portion of my sabbatical time to holiday together. The fact that this question has been asked more than the next one; “Who is in charge when you have gone?”, is a testimony to your love and care. Thank you so much. But, to answer that question: We are a Team ministry. Depending on the question, you can either contact any one of the other clergy, the Churchwardens, or the Office. They will do their best to help. They can always pass the matter on to the Archdeacon.

Thank you all very much for your good wishes to me for this time, and for your prayers; both of which I value greatly. I will be sharing some of my musings online as I travel and reflect, and will share details of how these can be found nearer the time.

Yours
Jeremy