July 2008
Changes, Changes

Last month Fiona wrote about the change happening soon with her taking on formally the role of Team Rector for our Churches. This month, as many of you will have heard, there's another change announced, that after eight years in these parishes and as a part of the Papworth Team Ministry, it is time for me to be going and Jo, Katherine, Jack and I (with dogs in tow) will be moving to Devon in October where I will be taking up a position as Vicar of Six Parishes in the Diocese of Exeter.

So it's all change in our family, in our Churches and in the Team.

It does strike me sometimes that the only thing that doesn't change in this world is the fact that everything keeps changing. It may make me sound like a 'grumpy old man' but I now understand why my grandfather used to say 'it wasn't like that in my day' and 'I remember when this all used to be fields' and the like. Even in the eight years I have been here there have been massive changes in our area - there was no Cambourne to speak of when we arrived, just a few houses and offices, most of us are now on the internet, even on broadband, mobile phones mean that we can get in touch with each other pretty much anywhere at any time, a few new businesses have started and some have closed, buildings have been put up and taken down, conservatories etc added, schools have grown and more. Our churches have changed too, on the whole there are more people coming to Church in our area, there is a greater variety of services, there are more people involved in the ministry and work of the Church and there is, in many ways, a sense of excitement and positive feeling about the life of the Church in our villages.

Not all change is a bad thing!

But in the midst of all this change and activity it's also important to hold fast to the things which don't and shouldn't change. The Bible talks of a God who is 'changeless' and who can be relied on no matter what is happening in the world, or in our own lives. God is the rock who stands unmoved even in the fiercest storm. As I prepare for change in my life I turn again to the one who gives me strength and security, hope and faith, the God who loves me 'in all the changing scenes of life'. May you know that trust in God too, no matter what comes your way.

And I should say, we aren't going quite yet, my last Sunday will be 19th October when there will be a special service in the evening at Bourn Church. I'm sure there'll be a party at some time around then too, if I have any say in things!

Alastair