February 26 Monthly Message

Dear Church Family,

 

Thank you — sincerely — for your prayers, support and generosity over the last four years at BFPC. We’ve come a long way together.

 

As I’ve said before, my appointment as Rector isn’t really about me — it’s about us and what God has been doing in and through this church community. I may be the ordained minister, but we are all ministers, called by God to play our part in seeing His kingdom come here in Blandford. And that is happening — one life at a time.

 

Many of you will have heard that Revd Canon Andy Perry will be joining us in March as Associate Minister. Andy has just finished over 30 years as Vicar of St Mary’s Longfleet in Poole and now works for the Diocese of Salisbury as Dean of Leadership and Church Growth, supporting renewal across the diocese.

 

As part of this role he’ll be licensed here at BFPC, giving him and his wife Fi a church home, and enabling us to benefit from his wisdom, experience and some of his time — similar to having a non-stipendiary priest attached to the church. The exact shape of this will become clearer once Andy and Fi arrive and settle in, but we’ll keep you updated.

 

January has been a month of farewells.

 

It was bittersweet saying goodbye to Will, Sophie and the girls on 18th January. We’ll treasure their time with us — and it was wonderful to send them off together over lunch in the Parish Centre (which I think we can safely say we’ve now outgrown!).

 

If you’d like to support Will as he begins his new role at the Lantern Church, his welcome service is on Sunday 15th February at 10am — he’d love people to come along.

 

We’ve also formally said goodbye to Rachel Baynes and Philip Whitcomb. Both have made huge contributions to BFPC — Rachel through PCC, small groups, preaching and leading, and Philip as Treasurer, PCC member, Core Leadership Team member and preacher.

 

We thank God for all they’ve given and pray that as they move to Devon they will be blessed and be a blessing in their new church communities.

 

Last year was very much a year of transition — sabbatical, discerning renewed vision, Will’s placement and departure. At times it felt like we were in “pause mode” as we sought God’s leading.

 

Now we have a renewed sense of direction, this year is about putting vision into action.

 

I come into this season with fresh energy, faith and hope. Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there are things we can do better. But above all I’m confident that God is not finished with BFPC — and that as we follow His Spirit, He will continue to grow and shape this church.

 

In response to some helpful and gracious challenge, we also know we need to strengthen the administrative life of the church — clearer communication, quicker decisions and tighter processes.

 

You’ll already have seen improvements around signing up for groups, giving, serving and Alpha. We’ll continue working on communications and engagement across different platforms — and yes, that includes me getting better at replying to emails more promptly!

 

All of this is about giving confidence that BFPC is being run well and positioned for growth.

With that in mind, I’m delighted to share two key appointments:

 

• Catherine Boag has kindly agreed to become our new Church Treasurer, following Philip’s departure. She’s been co-opted onto PCC and will be completing a handover over the coming weeks. Please do pray for Catherine as she takes on this important role.

• Arthur Houston is now leading on all building-related matters. Arthur brings a wealth of experience and has already helped move several long-standing issues forward. We’re incredibly grateful for his willingness to serve in this way.

 

Alongside strengthening our foundations, my main focus is on the three strands of our vision:

 

Devotion. Formation. Mission.

 

What do we need in place to see these flourish?
How do we build capacity?
How do we equip and grow teams?

 

The common thread in all of this is people.

 

My priority is to invest in people — to encourage, equip, empower and release others into all that God is calling them to. As BFPC continues to grow, my role increasingly becomes a leader of leaders and a pastor of pastors, enabling others to flourish in ministry.

 

A few dates for your diary:

 

This Sunday (1st Feb) — instead of Going Deeper we’re hosting a New Wine Celebration with churches from across Dorset. An extended time of worship, great teaching and prayer ministry. Our guest speaker is Revd Tim Grew, Associate Vicar at Trinity Cheltenham — a fantastic teacher from one of the UK’s largest Anglican churches. Do come along — it promises to be a brilliant evening.

 

Shrove Tuesday — we’re hosting a BFPC Pancake Party! Megan is looking for a team to help run the evening, so please speak to her if you’re able to help in any way.

 

Ash Wednesday — a traditional Holy Communion service with imposition of ashes at 7pm in church, as we begin the season of Lent together.

 

During Lent — we’ll be hosting a series of Deanery Lectures on Wednesdays at 1.30pm in church, with speakers from across the Milton and Blandford Deanery on a range of fascinating theological topics. They’re free, thought-provoking and open to all — and our own Chris Hancock is one of the speakers, so do come and support him.

 

Thank you again for all you give, all you pray, and all you do.

 

It’s a joy to serve as your Rector — and I’m excited for all that God has ahead for BFPC in this next season.

With every blessing,
 

Chris