I came to St Mary Redcliffe expecting to experience a different worshiping tradition, and I was genuinely excited to engage with it and gain an appreciation for a part of the Church of England that was brand new for me. What I’ve come away with is so much more.

I’ve been honoured to participate in leading you all in worship through Deaconing at the Eucharist, and leading at Choral Evensong and Morning Prayer. More than this, I will take away the inclusive spirit that has permeated every aspect of my time with you. It’s been such a pleasure to see how faith is demonstrated in action and unconditional love.

Spending some time in the community hub/pop up, I loved hearing the ways in which space is being created to help others, and the way this is driven by a desire to see the community support each other. It was also encouraging to see and hear how the church was involved in the planning stages of building projects in the area, and that there was a real desire to ensure that new housing catered for all.

I was delighted to see that both primary and secondary schools have such close links with the church, being invited in for an assembly at the former and attending the end of year service for the latter. Whatever the faith of those who attend the schools, it was a pleasure to see that the values which underpin all they do are loving and seek to give the children the best start in life.

There is such a wealth of history to the church, which is rightly being preserved by the wonderful and dedicated work of the Vestments Conservation Group, but also a commitment to the future and a desire to see the church prosper and have a positive impact in the community for many years to come. This is exemplified in the desire to care for those in the community through pastoral care, the community hub, and also striving to be better stewards of creation.

The church has obvious significance as a historical site, and it’s wonderful to see hospitality that is shown to visitors and the way they are incorporated into the prayer life of the church. It’s a reminder that behind all of the bricks, stonework, vestments, and fabric of the church there are people who are loved, accepted and welcomed because they are made in God’s image.

I would like to take the opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to the staff and community, who have been so welcoming and encouraging during my time with you. You’ve let me ask questions, try my hand at new things and make mistakes. All of this has been done with a spirit of love and grace, and I am very grateful.

Niall Blackburn

July 2022