It is an utter privilege to share the journey with you as incumbent in this benefice as we seek to follow the ways of Christ, a mutually enriching and beautiful thing. I share this ministry with my valued colleagues and friends, Nicola Butcher and Nicola Butt, and they have become such a vital part of our life and ministry.
However, for reasons of my own health, our wanting to offer more care ourselves to Sarah-Jane’s mother, Dot, and a sense that we are being led into a new chapter, I have taken the decision that it is time for me to step back from parish ministry. The aim is to relocate with Dot to the south west of Scotland, nearer our grandchildren – her only great grandchildren. While caring for Dot, we will also seek to discover together what else God may have for us to embrace.
We have yet to confirm all the details, but I will give my formal three months notice as Vicar timed for me to leave Grabbist Hill Benefice in the autumn. We are excited about this move, while not being unaware of the challenges – it is a whole new beginning in our lives together! But we are also sad because it is a huge thing to say goodbye to you all.
I am giving as much informal notice as possible to maximise the time available to the benefice and diocese to prayerfully look to the future. Your prayers and support will be hugely appreciated, not just for us as we move, but for one another and for all in our Grabbist Hill Benefice.
It remains for me to say that I look forward to continuing to serve among you for the next little while and thank you for your unstinting support and prayers both recently and throughout our time here.
May God bless us and lead us all as we seek to serve Christ in love, joy and peace.
Rev’d Kenneth Cross
Vicar of Alcombe and Associate Vicar of Dunster, Timberscombe and Wootton Courtenay
Wootton Courtenay 