An Absolute Delight Bishop Peter Reflects on His Time As Bishop of Bath and Wells As He Prepares to Retire Early on Medical Grounds
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Interview An absolute delight Bishop Peter reflects on his time as Bishop of Bath and Wells as he prepares to retire early on medical grounds. sitting down with Clergy, Readers and church leaders to talk and pray with them about the challenges and joys they are finding in ministry. Jane, our dog Juno and I will miss the glorious scenery and wonderful countryside. What gives you hope for the future of the Church in Bath & Wells? Only in Somerset: Bishop Peter on Glastonbury Festival's Pyramid Stage. I can’t think of a day when I haven’t been encouraged and hopeful hat moments stand about the future of the Church here out for you? in the diocese. This past year has It has been an been difficult for everyone but I am W absolute delight to confident that despite the issues we visit so many churches to share in face that the diocese is in good heart worship, preach and to see all that and in good hands. clergy and congregations are doing or What will you take away from your planning. Every confirmation service time in Somerset? has been a real joy and privilege and I have wonderful memories of the Cathedral confirmations have being the Bishop ‘outside a church been inspiring. setting'. Going to the Bath and West What will you miss most? Show, meeting our rural and farming I shall hugely miss the visits to community, or speaking at civic schools, colleges and universities. To occasions. Speaking on Glastonbury see young people learning, exploring Festival's Pyramid Stage will never and thinking about the world we live leave me - it was both terrifying and in has been a joy. I shall also miss the uplifting. Follow us on @BathWells bathandwells churchofengland_somerset Frommanna the Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells May 2021 North Somerset welcomes Syrian families n the last few years Nailsea has played its part in welcoming Syrian families I from war-torn areas and English language was difficult for refugee camps. me. We found a voluntary job for Elaine Atkinson co-ordinates a my husband and my son started team of volunteers brought together going to pre-school and found by Christians Together in Nailsea great friends. All the people were and District (CTNAD). They support wonderful and accommodating and refugees who have arrived in Nailsea welcomed our presence with them. with the Syrian Vulnerable Persons This was our first two years and it Relocation Scheme (SVPRS). was difficult, different, and stressful, She says, “We now have two wonderful things happened, and families here and are keen to difficult things too. Then everything welcome others. We work closely became better and better. Language with North Somerset Council who and self-confidence. We adapted to will welcome 12 more families to society.” the county. The main obstacle to If you are a landlord or looking to doing this is finding suitable private invest in a rental property, contact landlord rental accommodation.” the Refugee Resettlement Team on Two families living in Nailsea have 01934 427275 or email caroline. shared their stories about life here. [email protected]. Find One mother says, “As for moving the full stories from the two Nailsea to Britain, it was a little hesitant families at www.bathwells.anglican. decision. People, home, country. org/north-somerset-welcomes- Everything, will be different. The syrian-families/■ News in brief News in brief Cartwheels and brussel sprouts aid fundraising effort When Sophie and Izzy of St John’s, Keynsham realised that not all children in Zambia go to school, they decided to fundraise to help build and furnish a new 3-classroom primary school at St A time to celebrate together Paul’s church, Chipata. Save the date After Sophie reached her £500 target While we will not be able to host the for her fundraising raffle, her brother Zambian bishops this summer, due to had to do his promised challenges the restrictions of the Covid pandemic, of having a worm crawl on his face we will still have the opportunity to and eat three of his least favourite celebrate our links with the Anglican foods, including brussel sprouts. Izzy church in Zambia, with our first Zambia meanwhile did 100 cartwheels a day Sunday on 4 July. for seven days. In total £2,500 has been It will be an opportunity for us all to raised for the school which means it pray and learn more about each other can be built later this year. Find out together. more at bathandwells.org.uk/parish- Find out more at: bathandwells.org.uk/ links/■ Zambia-partnership/■ New website collaboration, shared learning and Check out our new website at good practice and will allow some bathandwells.org.uk. Designed of the costs of website build and by ChurchEdit, it is part of a development to be shared. collaboration with 20 other dioceses The user-focused website includes a to create a standardised website that documents section, to enable people will serve dioceses across the Church to find essential downloads and of England. other material quickly, and a more This new way of working is built on powerful search function. Bishop’s Letter Called to serve and care By Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells here are many things I diocese to see what you are doing, shall miss when I retire. to preach and to share in your One is writing these worship. I am conscious that despite T brief articles for parish getting out and about across the magazines. After some 41 years of whole diocese there are still some writing articles and editorials you churches which I have not visited, might think I would be pleased to and I am sorry about that. stop. However, over the years this Reading the ordination service, I is one way I have been able to keep see that as disciples we are all called in touch with people and offer to ‘witness to the resurrection and encouragement and support to all to preach the good news of salvation that is happening in the life of our in all the world.’ That is a calling and churches and communities. a privilege which will not stop as I lay In the ordination service for down the See of Bath and Wells. It bishops the liturgy begins with the is at the heart of what it is to be part words: ‘Bishops are called to serve of the Body of Christ. So, as I say my and care for the flock of Christ. farewells, I send you my blessing. Mindful of the Good Shepherd, who Please know that my prayers will laid down his life for the sheep, continue to be with you. they are to love and pray for those Yours with the love of Christ, committed to their charge, knowing their people, and being known by them.’ These monthly articles are one way in which I seek to ‘be known’ across the diocese. As I prepare to retire, I want to express my huge appreciation for the welcome I have received in all the parishes and places that I have visited. It has been an enormous privilege to join the churches of the .