KAREN'S CORNER
‘Goodbye and thank you…’
I have been writing Karen’s Corner for three years now, week in and week out. It has been a real pleasure to sit in my study each week and to write to you as if you were here with me.
I have no idea who reads Karen’s Corner or how many of you read it. I hope that, dear reader, you have enjoyed reading each missive as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
I have always tried to make Karen’s Corner a mixture of tales from the vicarage, reflections on scripture and a report on the goings on in the churches. It has been a way for you to get to know me better and to share all of the ‘good stuff’ that has been happening in the churches.
This edition of Karen’s Corner is going to be my last. We move on 24th and the house is gradually being packed away. It is a very busy time for both Chris and I and it is now time to say goodbye.
It has been a real joy to write and I hope that you have felt that you have got to know me through my writing as well as your Vicar. Sometimes it has been tricky to carve some time out to sit and write but it is a discipline that I have enjoyed and I hope that you have enjoyed reading.
I will be continuing to write in the Parishes magazine on the Isle of Wight, one that goes out to 500 households across the benefice on a monthly basis.
I have already written my first introductory ‘Vicar’s View’ which will be published just as I am licensed.
The packing continues apace and the removals lorry arrives at the vicarage on 23rd October and we head over to the island on the 24th. Our cars will be packed with the cats (in one car) and the dogs in the other as well as the obligatory kettle, milk and tea bags.
It is a 4.5 hour (if we are blessed) journey to the ferry at Portsmouth but only a 15 minute journey to the vicarage on the other side. I am looking forward to getting onto the ferry, going up onto deck with a cup of tea, knowing that the longest part of the journey is over.
Our new home is a vicarage next to St Helen’s church. It is a short walk through the churchyard to get to the church, via a gate in the garden. The house is undergoing some works and when we arrive there will be a new kitchen and an Aga to get to grips with! I have never used one before and have bought myself a manual as well as a recipe book. I can imagine the dogs settling down in front of the Aga in the winter months, keeping toasty warm!
There is an open fire in the sitting room so they will be spoiled for choice as to where to settle down. I can imagine Marnie snoring loudly as the fire crackles away on a winter’s evening. Both dogs are ‘food driven’ and they might think that the Aga is the better bet, food will come out of it!
I had an ‘Whatsapp’ message from one of the church wardens telling me that the working party had taken up their paintbrushes and were tackling the bedroom walls this week. We are very grateful to them for rolling up their sleeves and relieving us of a big job. Moving house is stressful and tiring and I will be glad to see the back of packing boxes!
I have two and a half weeks to unpack the boxes and to make the vicarage our home before I am licensed. On 12th November at 6pm I will be licensed by Bishop Johnathon in St Mary’s Church in Brading. Please do keep us in your prayers as we prepare to take up our new lives and ministry on the island.
My new role is as Vicar to four churches in Brading, Yaverland (a small church attached to a manor house), Seaview and St Helen’s. There is also a small chapel in St Helen’s village which the church would like to use more than it does now.
St Helen’s church have inherited a huge field (opposite the church) with two shower/toilet blocks at one end sheds full of canvas tents. The plan is that the field is to be used in the future for pilgrimages, quiet days and holidays for those who would not be able to afford one otherwise. There is plenty of work to get get stuck into.
I will be joined in ministry by my Assistant Curate, who was Priested a couple of weeks’ ago. ‘Rev Bev’ lives in Brading and has forged close links with the school in the village (where she also lives), which is great. I am looking forward to sharing ministry with her and to becoming her Training Incumbent.
Of course, there is flip side to the excitement of moving to the Isle of Wight and taking up a new role. We leave behind people we have grown to love over the past three years. We will miss the fellowship and friendship that has been a real blessing over the past three years.
We both hope and fervently pray that you will continue to grow, flourish and to move forward in the love of Christ.
Being your Priest has been a privilege and an honour. The ‘cure of souls’ of the churches has been one that I have dedicated my life to in humility and with love.
I leave you in the same way, sending my heartfelt love and prayers to you. Thank you, dear reader, for being in this journey with me and God Bless.
Revd Karen