Beloved Communities,

It is a pleasure to introduce myself, as the new priest-in-charge here in the Parish of Craighurst and Midhurst. Having started just about a month ago (At the time of writing), it has been such a joy to be welcomed into both of the churches and into the life of the parish!

My name is Andrew, and feel free to call me by my first name (or if you prefer a bit of formality, follow your own custom). My family and I moved up here at the start of May and are settling into life in Midhurst. It has been a whirlwind of unpacking, preparing gardens, and exploring the communities. It is getting into good habits early balancing fitness, rest, joy, alongside the ordinary work of life. We are finding our rhythm and finding our ways and are always open to suggestions about places to check out or ways to connect with our neighbours.

As I have been settling into life in ministry here, it has been a process of many cups of coffee with key leaders, and I am looking forward to many more cups of coffee, tea, and conversations with so many more of you (along with the ordinary parts of ministry: leading worship, committee meetings, preaching, and pastoral care!). Even though it may seem like it is busy to settle in, please do be in touch, my information is now on the Contact page and the Clergy page. I am hoping to get to know each one of you in the coming weeks and months through conversation and serving together in our parish.

For me, it is a bit of a new beginning, new names to learn, new routines, new places to discover, new worshipping communities to learn about. And in learning about me as your new priest, it is also a bit of a new beginning for you, figuring out who I am and how to work and worship with me. This means that we will have bumps on the road, and a steep learning curve as we find our way together where God is calling us as a community. New beginnings can be exciting, and can be difficult as well.

And this time is also a part of a continued story. I am stepping in and trying to learn the stories of our churches, communities, and our parish. For many of you there are continued threads of that story as well that I am another in a line of priests who have been called to serve this community. In all those stories, there are pains, joys, and the ordinary, all an important part of the story of our parish. Of course there are continuities for me as well, this start in ministry is a continuation of my story as well. And there is a bigger story that we are wrapped up in as well, the story of what God has done, is doing, and will do in our shared life, history, and future together.

All of that is to say, it is going to take time to get caught up, and to recount the stories together. It is going to take time to learn to hear and spot God in those threads together. And we are embarking into the story with our God who still is calling us into ministry. And so as we start into this new beginning and continue the story together, it is good to be patient, offer grace, and explore things with curiosity.

Please know, I am praying for you all, through the days and weeks, and if you ever need prayer for something specific, I am always happy to hold those concerns or thanksgivings with you in prayer.

Andrew+