As I write this on Monday 23rd June, I’m reflecting on my final Sunday as vicar of St Thomas’ Church (and avoiding the packing process that I should really be getting on with!).But I felt that I had to write something to express my deep gratitude for the love we all felt yesterday as we said our farewells, and for the wonderful cards, gifts, cake, words, and e-messages that we received.
My heart is overflowing with love, thankfulness, and sadness. As Margaret jokingly asked the bishop “Is it too late to stop Ian from leaving?” I was half-hoping that he would reply: “no, that could be arranged!” But I know (and I know that you know) that God’s hand is in this move and that he has a plan for us in Wolverhampton and a wonderful plan for St. Thomas’s Bradley.
We will, of course, continue to pray for you – especially as you seek a new vicar – and our happy memories and love for you all will remain with us always. Hold fast to the unfailing Word of God, remain in Christ, and be comforted, strengthened, and guided by his Holy Spirit. Ian
A Parting Message from Simon (July 2025)This month of July will see my last Sunday service at St Thomas’s Church. Although I have only been at St. Thomas’s for 3 years (a relative drop in the ocean compared to the time that many of you have been in this church), St. Thomas’ has been a place of profound joy and growth for me and my family. During the course of my ministry, I may end up in multiple posts and churches, but I will only ever have one curacy; and so, St Thomas, and all who are part of this church, will always have a special
place in my heart.
It has been an incredible joy to serve you all. I have learnt so much, not just under the tutelage of Ian, but from doing life with you all. Your passion for the gospel, and desire to know God more has challenged me deeply; and having such a committed group of people to make things happen is a luxury that most churches do not have.
I have no doubt that your vacancy will be a time of growth and of greater clarity for St. Thomas on its distinctive identity within Bradley. I know that for many of you it will be a time of stepping into new gifts – or gifts that may have lain dormant for a time – as you fill in the gaps left by the vacancy. Remember that those whom God calls, He also equips. Do not be afraid to step into these gifts. Much like Joshua and the Israelites, going into the new land; for many of you this may be uncharted territory. I think that Moses’ words to Joshua in this moment will be very helpful in the coming weeks:
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land... The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’ Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Simon