February 2011

Dear Friends

I have no doubt that you will all have heard by now that the Radcliffe family are heading back to the 'frozen North'. I have been invited to become Priest in Charge of the parish of St Michael and All Angels, Ashton upon Ribble on the western edge of Preston in the Diocese of Blackburn. Our last Sunday here will be the 20th March and we are planning to move in the week following.

From a practical perspective, what the future holds here is not absolutely clear. It is most likely that the Deanery reorganisation plan will be implemented which will mean that the Upton Benefice will be amalgamated with Welland and The Hanleys and that Rev Frances Wookey will take over the day to day running of the extended group BUT that is yet to be confirmed. What is certain is, that no matter what, change is on the cards.

Change is never easy and if we are honest very few of us really like it. It is unsettling and disturbing and we would much rather things just plodded along in their old, comfortable, familiar way. However, that is often fraught with danger. Failing to embrace change when the possibility presents itself can spell stagnation, decay and even death.........

I was reminded the other day of the story of the call of Jesus' first disciples. He challenged them to change for ever the way of life they had always known and to walk with him into an unfolding and exciting future. None of us know what the future holds......I certainly did not expect to be leaving here after only five years. None of you know what God has for you as the future of this Benefice unfolds.

My prayer for you all is, that like those first disciples, you might be willing to explore and to take the risk of embracing the changes God has in store for you as you walk with Him into a new future.

With every Blessing