Alan Neades writes: Sunday 31 May saw the farewell service of our Vicar, the Very Rev’d Stephen Waine, who had been with us for just three years having previously been the Dean of Chichester Cathedral.
He said he had expected to be with us until his retirement in three years’ time but he received a request from the Bishop of Exeter to take on the role of Interim Dean at Exeter Cathedral. This was a complete surprise to him and not something he had looked for.
When a dean leaves a cathedral, the bishop is required to appoint an Interim Dean to see the Cathedral through the vacancy until the new Dean takes up his post, and this is the role which the Bishop of Exeter has asked him to take on. The current Dean retires in July, and so he and Lizzie will move to Exeter in June to get settled in and to have a hand-over period. While it is unfortunate for us, it is perfectly understandable that, in view of his previous experience, he should be asked to fulfil this role.
The necessary preparations to recruit a replacement for Stephen are underway, but may take some time, In the meanwhile, the churchwardens and PCCs of all six benefice churches will do their utmost to ensure that services continue to be held and baptisms, weddings and funerals available as required. This may not be exactly as before, but changes will be advertised on this site.
We have greatly appreciated Stephen’s ministry, and that of his wife Lizzie, and are most sorry to see them go, but we wish them every blessing in their new situation.
Services
The general plan for Piddlehinton is that we will have Morning Prayer at 11 am on the second Sunday of the month and a communion service at 11 am on the third Sunday.
So, there will be a service today, June 14, 11am at Piddlehinton.
Other services wil be announced when we can.
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