So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye!
There’s a sad sort of moaning from the pews of the church
and the bells in the steeple too.
and up in the vestry the entire little choir
is popping out to sing to you……Regretfully they tell us,
but firmly they compel us,
to say goodbye….
to youTears were misting many eyes at Old Brampton church on 14th January as the young people of St Peter and St Paul bid a fond farewell to our much loved Rector Tony, his wife Rachel and their son Benedict using the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein.
The farewell song concluded a beautiful and very moving service to mark the final Parish service and moving of Revd Tony, Rachel and Benedict to Bakewell. Needless to say balloons, ribbons, candles and flowers were much in evidence.
The whole service reaffirmed and celebrated the calling of God’s people and our many God given gifts. It especially celebrated the many people that Tony’s wonderful priestly, enabling ministry has touched over the last seven and a half years.
The service was filled with so many beautiful words, hymns and prayers that it is difficult to mention them all, but I suggest that over the next few months that we continue to use the service booklet to remind ourselves of the day and the service and to offer again our prayers and thanks to God. We sang hymns that speak of God’s calling, our response to that calling in service, and hymns that celebrate the wonderful love of God for his people. We offered prayers giving thanks for the last few years and asking God’s guidance over the coming years. We celebrated the Holy Eucharist together.
During the service the whole congregation were invited to reaffirm their baptismal faith following which the children, who had gathered around the font, were invited to liberally sprinkle holy water amongst the congregation. Needless to say they accepted the challenge with great gusto.
Anyone who had been confirmed, or prepared to receive Holy Communion before confirmation during Tony’s ministry was invited to bring forward the elements and gifts to the altar.
After the Eucharist the current churchwardens, Readers and PCC members were invited to the altar rail to gather around Tony, Rachel and Benedict to give thanks for the past years and to ask God’s blessing upon them as they move to a new parish, and for ourselves as we prepare for the future without them. After anointing they were sent on their way with a favourite Celtic blessing.
Festivities and fellowship continued after the conclusion of the service. Refreshments were enjoyed, presentations were made and words of thanks offered to Tony and his family.
Benedict, Rachel and Tony were all presented with gifts. Tony’s being a new cassock. Although in fact it did not fit, being a little small,….in fact doll’s size. The real thing is still in the post, but hopefully it will arrive before his licensing service on the 21st January.
Tony was also presented with a framed collage of photographs and a bottle of champagne.
Churchwarden Sally, on behalf of the Faith Community of St Peter and St Paul, offered our sincere thanks and loving gratitude for all that Tony and his family have done for the Parish over their ministry of seven and a half years and wished them well and God’s blessing for the future. Sally also reminded Tony that there is still room on the coach for the return journey from Bakewell if he changes his mind…
It was a day tinged with both sadness and joy, but filled with beauty and peace, love and thankfulness, hope and expectation.
We thank Tony for all he has done in the past, for the beautiful farewell service and for all he has done to prepare us for the future without him, and we all pray for God’s blessing on a wonderful Priest and his lovely family in the years to come.
It is not goodbye, but fare thee well until we meet again, and in the words of the Celtic blessing used at the end of the service :
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at you back.
May the sun shine warm upon you faces;
and the rains soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.Amen,.. Amen… and Amen.