I also add my thanks to the tribute to Sue Higson that Hector wrote. (See 'From the Treasurer' in last month's magazine.) As Treasurer's Assistant Sue has contributed a great deal to St Ursula's; in that capacity she will be very much missed, not only by Hector. It is good to know that she, too, remains an active member of the church.
We wish Sharon and Sue every blessing as they continue to serve God, but with new emphases, in the months and years to come.
When I started planning this letter some time ago, I knew that I would be writing something about our farewells to Sharon and to Sue; what I did not know then was that Lynne and I would be saying our farewell to you all. In case you have not heard it, I repeat the announcement made at St Ursula's on Sunday 3 June.
| Over the last six months or so, Lynne and I have spent a great deal of time considering our ministry and seeking to discern what God has been saying to us.
After much prayer, and in consultation with others, we have come to believe that it is right for us to move on.
I have been offered, and have accepted, the post of Chaplain to the Anglican church in Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, Chile, and therefore we will be moving to South America towards the end of August. We ask for your prayers as we prepare for our move, and assure you of our prayers for all of you here, and in Thun and Neuchâtel. |
Lynne and I depart with great sadness at leaving this fellowship, and the place that has been our home for six and a half years. It is not what we expected: we had assumed that we would stay here until I retired. But it seems that God has fresh challenges for us, in an area of the world where we never expected to live. The next weeks will be very busy ones with so much to do before we head off for a Southern Spring. Our last Sunday is likely to be 19 August, when we hope to have the opportunity to say goodbye to our friends at a Bring and Share lunch after the service. Details are not yet available, so check the church notices, or call the Church Office nearer the time.
We have had some wonderful times here in Switzerland, we have made many friends, and we know that friendships last despite distance. We hope to see some of you in Chile! There have also been difficult times, but one thing we have learned afresh is that the Lord is always there to support us, and to guide us if we will let him. Christians are never promised an easy life, but we are assured that God will be with us if we remain close to him. Lynne and I pray that you will all walk more closely with God and experience his love, peace and joy in your lives as you seek to serve him, wherever you are called to be. May we all trust God for our futures, as we place them in his care and pray for his will to be done.
Yours in Christ,
Richard Pamplin