This Sunday also marks the welcome return of Laura as associate vicar and the end of my time as part of the clergy team at St Mary Redcliffe. It has been a real privilege to serve you in this way, going back to 2021 when Dan invited me to come on board and I received 'Permission to Officiate' from the diocese. Initially I was just assisting with preaching and presiding on Sundays, but in the last twelve months I have been offering support behind the scenes as interim associate vicar especially covering the 'interregnum' between Dan's retirement with Laura's maternity leave and the arrival of Brutus as the new vicar. What a full and rich time it has been! I have especially enjoyed walking with you all through the changing seasons of the liturgical year, seeing how scripture speaks to us in different ways, including in the Lent groups. I was proud to be part of the Harvest art installation project last autumn as a way of celebrating artistic talent across the church.

The Theology Book Club has been stimulating and fun over the years. The opportunity to lead a series of mini-pilgrimages through the year was very welcome and taught me so much about this extraordinary church and its mission in Redcliffe and Bristol. Thank you to all of you for being part of all this. Thanks to Dan, Laura, Simon and Brutus, and churchwardens Richard, Belinda, Liz and Jezz for being wonderful colleagues over the years, and to the PCC, vergers, servers, choir and music team, office team and whole congregation for all we have done together. 

As many of you know, I have now moved to Dorset where Sally and I are living with her elderly mother and enjoying village life. My work with the Anglican Communion Office continues on a part time basis, including some international travel, and I will no doubt find a role in the churches in this area. But I will miss St Mary Redcliffe and hope to be back once in a while to help lead services. Meanwhile may the Christ who walks with us continue to encourage and inspire all of you in your pilgrimage through the ups and downs of life as you draw near to the faith, hope and love of his kingdom.

Stephen Spencer

01.09.2026