FROM THE VICAR

Most of you will know by now that I am retiring soon and my last Sunday at St George's will be on 27th July. (I am still officially Vicar until the end of August, when my resignation will be effective). I will have completed 21 years as Vicar and over 34 years as a priest and I have felt for some time that for the good of the parish and its future mission, it is time to go.

I have to admit that, recently, I have felt the pressure and tiredness of age, and I have not been able to do as much as I would wish in such a large and busy parish with no clerical help whatsoever. Things that I could have taken in my stride a few years ago now take so much longer.

There is much that needs to be done, and with a younger and more active priest, he will bring fresh ideas and energy to this great parish. The Churchwardens and P.C.C. will soon be considering what sort of priest you would like to have, and they will be glad to have the opinions of you all. Of course, everyone will want to have the embodiment of the Archangel Gabriel as the next Vicar! In the meantime I hope you will all keep this appointment in your prayers and pray that GOD will send you the right priest to serve you here.

I have mixed feelings about going, but I am still your priest for some weeks yet. I have some wonderful memories of my time here and of the wonderful support I have had from you all over the years. We have been able, with God's grace, to achieve much and much has been done. My hope is that you will keep faithful and continue to witness to the Faith of Christ in Waterlooville. This church is not a social club but a worshipping community first and last, everything else is secondary to the aim of the worship and glory of God in this place.

With my blessing and prayers,

Your priest and friend.

MALCOLM FERRIER