Phil & Di’s fond farewells and new beginnings

St Mark’s saw a huge turnout and much joy tinged with sadness at Phil and Di’s send-off party.  Around 70 tots, toddlers and young folk came with their parents to the happy chaos of the children’s party.  The following weekend, the adult ‘bring a dish’ party saw a huge, varied spread of delicious food from many countries – a true reflection of the phenomenal and fantastic diversity in our congregation.  Quality entertainment took us late into the evening with a highlight in the BBC Everyman documentary following Phil’s application to St Mark’s that was both amusing and thought provoking – particularly an observation about his ‘quiet faith’.  Quiet, yes – and powerful, as his legacy at St Mark’s illustrates.

St Mark’s up north

Report by John Palmer, Church Warden

Over 100 people from St Mark’s braved the five-hour coach journey to support Phil and Di at their first service at Scargill, speaking volumes about how much they mean to us.  On arrival we were welcomed  with lunch by a team of volunteers and we were all struck by the incredible beauty in which the community and its church are set, amid the rolling acres of the Yorkshire Dales. Thelma has posted more photos of the day and the idyllic location on Facebook.

Phil was licensed at a very moving ceremony attended by four bishops and all manner of laity and clergy, with standing room only.  After tea and cakes the party made the five-hour journey back to London, returning at about midnight.

So what now?

While Phil and Di are missed dreadfully, change presents an opportunity for fresh thinking and leadership at St Mark’s and the Church Wardens and Committee (CC) are working hard to identify the right person for the role.  In a stepwise process, the Church Wardens have met with Bishop Pete, and he with our Church Sponsor/ Patrons according to CofE rules and best practice.  Subsequently, there will be a meeting between the Bishop, CC and the Sponsors/ Patrons, which has now been scheduled to take place on 27 April 2010.

The CC has been finalising a Parish profile, describing our personality, ethos and needs, and once approved by all relevant parties, this will support the advertisement for a Vicar in the Church Times which is likely to appear shortly. As you may have heard announced in church recently, we hope to start interviewing in June with a view to having a new Vicar in post sometime after September, and certainly no later than the end of 2010.

Importantly, representatives from the CC will be elected to sit on the interview panel, and have a final right of veto should they disagree with a recommendation for a particular candidate made by the Sponsors/ Patrons.  It is also reassuring to know that many of those who still sit on the CC were involved in the selection process for Phil and are playing an active role in helping to make the right choice for us all this time around.