As the sacred season of Lent has drawn to a close, and after journeying together through a powerful and deeply moving Holy Week, we now find ourselves basking in the joy and hope of the Resurrection. What a glorious Easter celebration we have shared! We now step into a new season – as Easter People – living in the Resurrection power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And in the light of that new life, I find myself nearing the end of my season at St John’s – this being my final contribution to our weekly newsletter. What a glorious season it has been – -a season of deep transformation, love, challenge, and joy. And as I step forward into my new calling at St Cuthbert’s, I do so as a new creation – shaped, refined, and renewed by all that I have experienced and learned here among you.
Serving in full-time ministry at St John’s for the past ten years has been one of the greatest privileges and joys of my life. This has been a sacred journey – navigating the highs and the lows. We have laughed together in joy, cried together in sorrow, and prayed together in faith, always leaning on the comforting presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your love, support, and friendship are part of who I am today – gifts I will carry with me into this new season of ministry.
We have shared life in its fullness, and through it all, God has been so faithful. Together, we have become a community that reflects His love, grace, and joy.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)
As this season comes to a close, I do not see it as an ending, but as a continuation of God’s great story in each of our lives. The seeds planted and nurtured here will continue to bear fruit in ways seen and unseen. You have helped shape the person and minister I am today, and for that, I am deeply and eternally grateful. Your trust and kindness have fuelled my spirit and allowed me to grow as a minister and as a follower of Christ. I will forever cherish the memories we have created, the lessons we’ve learned together, and the profound worship experiences we have shared.
St John’s has not simply been a place of service – you have been my family, my fellow pilgrims, my dear friends. I will carry your love, your prayers, and your unwavering support with me into this new season. Though I may now walk in a different place, the bond we share in Christ remains unshaken.
I echo the words of Paul to the believers in Philippi:
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3–6)
My brothers and sisters in Christ at St John’s – continue to be bold in faith, generous in love, and steadfast in hope. Let the light of Christ shine ever brighter through you. Keep walking together in grace, singing with joy, and growing in your love for God and one another.
This farewell is not goodbye – it is simply a “see you later.” We remain united in the one Body, rooted in the same Spirit, and held together by the unfailing love of our Saviour.
May the peace of Christ go before you, His love surround you, and His joy remain your strength.
Much love and Hallelujahs,
Michelle