In April, our Priest-in-Charge, the Rev Jim Geen, will be leaving St Oswald’s, with his last day being Easter Sunday, 9th April 2023. Jim was appointed Priest-in-Charge in June 2017 following the dissolution of the South Ayrshire Team and the establishment of St Oswald’s as an independent congregation. Although already retired, Jim agreed to take on the role of Priest-in-Charge on a part-time basis and his leadership has helped St Oswald’s grow as a community of faith.
On Easter Sunday, as well as celebrating the most significant festival in the liturgical calendar, we will also be giving thanks to Jim for his ministry at St Oswald’s. And so, I invite you to join us at 11am for our Service of Holy Communion and then for lunch in the church hall. During lunch, we will be presenting Jim with a cheque from members of the congregation as a token of our thanks for him to spend as he pleases, whether that be on books, wine or towards a holiday somewhere warm.
If you would like to give something towards this, you can do so by giving cash or cheques to Ruth Mundell, by sending a cheque to St Oswald’s at the address below, or by transferring money electronically to the church’s bank account (please email me for details at address below).
I imagine you will also be wondering about the future and the appointment of a new Priest-in-Charge. On the second Sunday of Easter, 16th April, the Right Rev Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, will be at St Oswald’s to celebrate the Eucharist and preach. The Vestry will then be meeting with Bishop Kevin and the Dean (the Very Rev Reuben Preston) on Monday 24th April. During this time, we will be working with the Bishop and the Dean to discern our future mission and ministry, including the appointment of a new Priest-in-Charge.
Please pray for Jim as he prepares for a new phase of his retirement and for St Oswald’s as we give thanks for the past six years with Jim and look to the future.
Matthew Wyllie
Vestry Secretary
Email: secretary@stoswaldsmaybole.org.uk
