Dear friends,

I know it’s a cliché, but I am convinced that time really does fly! I have now been in my new parish since 19 June and thought you might like to know how things are going.

 But above all, I would like to look back for a moment to that wonderful leaving service so many of you took part in on 29 May. It was a wonderful occasion, full of surprises with so many friends. And then one of those superb lunches, for which Merton Park is so famous. Thank you to all whom helped make that an unforgettable and rather emotional day for me. Leaving will never be easy, but I am grateful for all the wonderful memories you have given me to take with me on my journey to North Lambeth. And of course all the presents! The quilt, made by Sue on behalf of PCP is now up, the first seeds given by Sunday Club are growing into plants, the piano will be arriving soon, the mouse mat with Mozart’s picture is in use, to name but a few – I am surrounded by gifts from you all! Thank you for everything you have given to me.

 After that day, I needed some time to get used to the idea of no longer being the curate of St Mary’s, Merton Park. Sadly we were not able to move house immediately or even work on the house. So I took a few days holiday and then started preparing for the licensing service on 19 June at St Peter’s, Vauxhall. That service was, as the one on 29 May, a very special experience. I was so pleased to see so many friends from all over London, other parts of the UK and, of course from The Netherlands! St Peter’s hadn’t been that full for many years. The building definitely came alive with the congregational singing! Maybe we need to invite you all again some time to a service, to recapture that sound. Members of the St Peter’s congregation are still talking about it!

 At the end of June we were able to move into De Pastorie and despite a few minor hiccups, the place now begins to feel like home. My parents have been again recently and have sorted out the small garden, which now looks very good.

I am slowly getting used to the area, and don’t get lost so often anymore, although I still don’t really like driving the car here (if you recently been to Vauxhall Cross, you may understand that). Cycling is a hazardous occupation in this part of London, so I only attempt that in utmost emergencies! 

My colleague Angus, the team rector, recently got married and went off on honeymoon, so it has been a busy time in a large parish of 16,000 people with three churches. But, it is a good place to be! All the things I have learned in Merton Park will help me to do the work here to the best of my ability. To say that this area is different from Merton Park is an understatement. And yet, many things are the same. We hope to carry out the message of the Christian Gospel here in this diverse parish, as we did and you continue to do in Merton Park.  

May I end by wishing you God’s blessing and again thank you for everything you have given to me.

 With much love,

Wilma Roest

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