This time last year I remember writing about how the month of September encapsulates both a time of new beginnings (the school year and all which is structured around it, for instance) and the bringing to fruition and fulfilment of so much around us in nature. But I did not expect those words to be quite so prophetic! For one year on, we are finally able to welcome our new priest, Revd Dr Kersari Godfrey, to Southwater together with his wife Pradhma and their children Emy and Evans.

It is of course the beginning of a new ministry for Godfrey (as he prefers to be known), his family and all associated with Holy Innocents. There will be new relationships to build, experiences to share and challenges to face for all of us, with both joys and disappointments on the way no doubt. Starting out on a new journey always brings with it a degree of apprehension, and so we would do well also to remember that this is also a time which brings past prayers and actions to their fulfilment.

By this I don’t just means the process of identifying a new priest and bringing him here, though we are delighted that has finally been achieved! The ongoing life of the church is about continually building and developing on what has gone before, carrying with us the hopes and prayers of those who have preceded us, cherishing what has been done well, challenging what is not so good or no longer so relevant, and always bearing witness to the fruit of God’s kingdom around us. Jesus teaches in St John’s gospel that our purpose is to remain locked into his love and his ways, and in doing so to “bear much fruit”. This is my prayer as we move forward into this new chapter in the life of Holy Innocents and the community more generally.

I am sure you will all join me in welcoming Godfrey and his family to Southwater and we look forward to their ministry among us.