A New Vicar For the Baldons and Nuneham Courtenay

 

Many of you will know that we have been working and praying hard to appoint a new Team Vicar for Berinsfield, the Baldons and Drayton St Leonard. At last we have good news to share! The Revd Vicky Burton has been offered and accepted the post. Vicky has a very deep sense of God’s call to her to come and minister among us here. Her gifts and experience wonderfully match what we have been seeking – I’m delighted, and can’t wait for her to arrive and begin ministry with us. Vicky has sent us some introductory words (please see below).

 

Vicky’s licencing will be held on Monday 20th October at 7:30pm at the Abbey. All are welcome to attend.

 

Please do pray for Vicky and her family as they prepare to move.

Every blessing

Jane

Revd Jane Willis, Team Rector

 

Vicky writes:-

 

As a child growing up in Hemel Hempstead, one of my favourite weekend activities was visiting my grandpa’s farms, and I dreamt of one day living in one of the houses in the village. At the time, we didn’t attend church, and I could never have imagined that I would one day become a vicar. And yet, as I’ve read the Parish Profile, visited the villages of the Dorchester Team, and applied for this role, I can hardly contain my joy and excitement at what lies ahead.

 

I am delighted to be joining the Dorchester Team as Team Vicar for the BBD Cluster, which includes Berinsfield, Marsh Baldon, Toot Baldon, Drayton St Leonard, and Nuneham Courtenay. Even in my short visits—including the interview day—Martyn (my husband) and I have felt a strong sense of warmth and vibrancy in these communities, and we are very much looking forward to hearing your stories and getting to know you.

 

My journey here has been shaped by a variety of experiences: I first trained as a classical musician in Birmingham, then served as a missionary to university students before becoming a music tutor and working with isolated adults to help them connect through music. When our two children were in primary school, I took on the role of children’s minister, then became assistant pastor in Chesham Bois, later training for ordination at St Mellitus College. I am currently serving my curacy at St Peter’s Aylesbury.

 

Martyn and I will be moving to Berinsfield along with our 21-year-old, while our other child is married and living abroad. When I’m not working, I enjoy worship, music, walking, birdwatching, book groups, and time with friends.

 

Please pray for us as we prepare to leave Aylesbury and settle into this new season. We’re praying for a good ending here and a joyful beginning with you, and for Christ’s light to shine in you and your communities.

 

Talking point From Rev’d Claire Wren

 

As I sit down to write this morning, the image my laptop has thrown up is one of three empty deck chairs on a pebbly beach, facing out to sea. And how I long to be there. The day is overcast; the slightly too brisk sea breeze is blowing my hair into my face. I know I won’t stay in the deck chair for long, they are never as comfortable as they look, and anyway I’ve forgotten my book. I’ll wander along the beach, stopping to examine an interesting rock or two. Flip flops are my footwear of choice and I am drawn to the shoreline, deliberately walking into the cool water, soothed by the repetitive crash and retreat of the waves. No day at the seaside is complete without chips, crispy and hot, I yearn for the delicious sting of salt and vinegar.

 

If, like me, you enjoy daydreaming, I invite you to intentionally include it in your weekly schedule. The verses I am drawn to as I start this new season of ministry in the Dorchester Team are words from the gospel of Matthew as the appear in The Message:

 

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

 

I pray that we will all grow together in faith, love and unity in the coming years. And if you would like to join me in learning the ‘unforced rhythms of grace’, please get in touch.

 

 

Our services continue as usual until our new vicar, Rev’d Vicky Burton, arrives in October, and are being led by vicars from around the Dorchester team.

 

A clergy person can always be reached by contacting

the Dorchester Team Office on 01865 340007

or at admin@dorchester-abbey.org.uk

 

Our safeguarding officer is Sara McDouall: saramcdouall@gmail.com