Elizabth McFarlane leaving Marlow team

Announcement from Elizabeth McFarlane, published on 1st May 2011

I shall be leaving Marlow at the end of May, having last Wednesday (27th April) been elected as chaplain and fellow of St John’s College, Oxford.

The deanery is ready and prepared to help the team with the extra work on my departure, and I plan to complete my doctoral thesis over the summer before taking up my new post in the autumn.

There will be plenty of time for goodbyes in the coming month, but at this point I want to thank you all for your support and encouragement over the last four and a half years.

Please come to the joint team service on 29th May, (further details to follow) at which I shall preside for the last time in the parish.

I'm sorry that this has been embargoed so long, but the election could only take place at the governing body meeting, and the college has been on Easter vacation.

Yours,
Elizabeth

from Paul, written on behalf of the Leadership Team.

We offer Elizabeth our prayers and best wishes in her new appointment. We thank God for her ministry here and the lives she's touched. We trust that her new role will use and develop her God-given gifts yet further.

We are sad to see Elizabeth depart at this moment in our shared life. Nonetheless, we are confident that God will provide as we face an additional vacancy amongst our clergy team.

We only have a few weeks before Elizabeth leaves. Please be comforted to know, therefore, that there has already been a range of discussions to plan for ministry in Marlow. Today marks a simultaneous public announcement here and at St John's college. The leadership team has begun and will continue to ensure that our Team of churches can be held together and find new ways of flourishing.

The Bishop, Archdeacon and Rural Dean all offer their commitment to support us in our shared life and ministry. The Archdeacon's words read as follows
“the diocese and deanery are committed to supporting us during both vacancies, particularly with regard to the provision of clergy cover. Obviously this won't be the equivalent of two full-time clergy, but will hopefully enable us to continue to provide for worship over the period of vacancy.”

We shall publish as much information as possible as soon as possible, so we are all in tune with our plans for ministry and our progress in making new appointments. In the meantime, please join us on May 29th as we say our farewells and pray Elizabeth on her way.

Paul and the Leadership Team