Tetbury Advertiser
JULY 2024 EDITION
God be with you!
That’s the original way of saying farewell. Over time, the phrase was shorted to “goodbye”, with the first written use back in 1575, then becoming common parlance. And – sadly for me – this letter is “goodbye” as I prepare to move on to a new parish in North London.
My last service is on Sunday 21st July, and it will be such a wrench for me to go. I started here back in September 2013 and the eleven years since have been a wonderful experience. Right from the start, I was made to feel at home and welcome. And it has been a privilege to help lead the community at St Marys’ Church, and to be parish priest in this lovely town.
I will take away so many cherished memories.
I’ve loved the many special occasions when we come together as a community: from annual festivals like Christmas, to marking national events including the Platinum Jubilee of The Late Queen Elizabeth II, her death and funeral and – most recently – the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Day-by-day, it’s been such an honour to be there for people at those crossroads in their lives: at births, marriages, and at the death of loved ones. I’ve always prayed that that – by God’s grace – we have offered loving support and welcome at these important times: to celebrate new life at a christening, to make a life-long commitment in marriage, or to remember loved ones and comfort those who mourn. Thank you for involving me in all of this.
And then there are the children and the young people, many of whom I’ve know since they were tiny. My special thanks goes to St Mary’s School, who have always been so welcoming and supportive as we popped in and out to take Collective Worship, lead Faith Explorers after-school club and much more. And to Sir William Romney, who have welcomed us in to support students there.
I could go on, but I’ll stop here! My last service will be at 10am on Sunday 21st July in St Marys’ Church with something nice to eat and drink afterwards – and I would LOVE to see you there. There’s also our annual church fete in the Vicarage Garden on Saturday 20th July – please do go to our website for details of these and other events.
My heartfelt thanks for all we have shared over these years.
May God be with you.
With love and prayers, Poppy
The Revd Canon Poppy Hughes, Rector
St Mary The Virgin & St Mary Magdalen, Tetbury
Find us:
Website www.tetburychurch.co.uk
Facebook www.facebook.com/St.MarysTetbury
Address Church Street, Tetbury GL8 8JG