Staff Update and Fond Farewells
In case you missed the news, we’ll soon be saying goodbye to Marcus Pagnam, who will begin ordination training in the autumn. Both Fiona Gregson and Nathan Burden, who joined the staff team to help us through the period when we had no associate vicar, will come to the end of their contracts at the end of June, and will leave the paid staff team. This will also be the case for Antony Spencer, who has continued to serve in a part-time capacity since his retirement as associate vicar. All three have brought so much over the years, and I’m sure you will want to join me in thanking God and them for their ministries. That said, the good news is that both Nathan and Antony will continue in a voluntary capacity. In addition to these changes, Fran Varley has now become Safeguarding & Operations Coordinator, leaving the comms department in the capable hands of Emma and Jo.
If you would like to contribute to the farewell gifts for Marcus, Nathan or Fiona, please follow the appropriate links below. Alternatively, you can pop an envelope through the office door. Cheques payable to St John's PCC, please also clearly mark who the gift is for.
Gift for Marcus - Donate here
Gift for Nathan - Donate here
Gift for Fiona - Donate here
A Note from Marcus:
Having worked through the ordination discernment process with the Church of England, culminating in a BAP in February, (for those who do not know what a BAP is do look it up - it's not as tasty as you might think!) I am both excited and sad to let you know that I shall be leaving my post in September to train for ordained ministry at St Mellitus College, London on their full-time context-based programme. This means we shall stay in our current house during training with me travelling to London once a week, if and when lock-down restrictions are lifted. I have been on staff as worship pastor at St John's for over 10 years and have counted it a massive privilege to serve St John's so this is both a wrench and a joy for my family and me as we follow what we believe to be God's leading at this time. We would appreciate your prayers for us and for all the arrangements that need to be made. Many thanks, Marcus.