From the Magazine ...

Dear Friends

This will be my final letter for the Haslemere Link Magazine as I will be leaving the parish later in the year. I have had the privilege of being Rector of Haslemere for the past nearly ten years. A lot has happened since I arrived in January 2001 – both in the life of the church in Haslemere and for us as a family. Almost inevitably some of the changes in the life of the church have been welcomed and others less so. Ministry always demands we seek God’s plans to move and grow as a pilgrim people and I have attempted to explore this with you during my time in Haslemere.

Some of the highlights for me would be:

• The growing links with our school and community
• The work amongst young people, in school and community settings
• The desire to be more outward looking as a parish
• The financial state of the parish is much better than it was, especially following the ‘Seeds of Hope’ campaign
• The desire to grow spiritually, through home groups, study courses and our fellowship together.
• The call to vocations over the last ten years, as a priest or reader.
• Being involved in many of your lives through the events of life, baptisms, weddings and funerals.

There will inevitably be challenges in the future. At the last APCM in April I did say that I thought the challenges would be around the resources necessary to maintain the ministry to the current levels, without additional help. How long the parish can survive with just one full time priest I am unsure. I would imagine that whoever follows me will have to address this difficult question and will need the support and willingness to follow from you all.

During our time here we have seen growth in almost every area of the church’s life and I thank God for that and for all those whose time, talents and commitment has made that possible - but there is always much more to do.

Thank you to all who have supported and encouraged me in my ten years in Haslemere. I will be sad to leave in so many ways but also look forward to whatever is still to come. Sue and I will miss the friendships we have made and would be happy to see any of you travelling north as we move to Cheshire. We take many happy memories with us as we leave and we will continue to support you as a parish with our prayers.

Yours in Christ

Norman Jones