Meet the Prouds
We're delighted to publish the following letter from David & Bobbie
Proud - David is our new Rector and is taking up his post in the late Summer.
Hello Bedhampton! We're looking forward to coming and sharing life
with you!
What can we tell you about ourselves?
Well, we could rave about our children, who are a talented, lively bunch. Beth, our eldest, is 25 and just finishing her second year at UEA (University of East Anglia) studying English with Creative Writing. Tallie, 23, is a graduate of the University for the Creative Arts in Rochester where she studied Photography, and is now working in temporary jobs while she decides on a career. Jonny, 18, is in his first year at Exeter University, studying Drama. We could say how much fun they are, how wacky our house sometimes becomes when they are all around, and how proud we are of them (see what we did there?) but they're likely to roll their eyes and groan if they catch sight of this, so we'd better not.
We could tell you about our pasts, our upbringings in Hertfordshire (David) and Lancashire (Bobbie), our meeting in Durham on a PGCE course, our years spent as teachers, and our training at Ridley Hall followed by posts in Lindfield (All Saints) , Horsham (St John's, Broadbridge Heath) and Ware (Christ Church), but before we know it, you'll all start discovering we have mutual acquaintances, and then all sorts of skeletons might fall out of the cupboard, so maybe we won't.
We might be able to reveal our interests, though David's passion for collecting old (and we mean old) Scottish travel books and doing family history online may make him sound like a real anorak, and Bobbie's enjoyment of drama, music, art and writing might come across as ever-so-cultured (which she isn't). However, we can safely say that we like gardens (and gardening), getting out into the country to walk, as well as eating and drinking with friends. We also LOVE going to Scotland for holidays - though that might sound as if we like to be at the opposite end of the country to Bedhampton, so it may not be altogether tactful to include ...
We really should, of course, give you an idea of our gifts and passions. As Creative Co-ordinator at Christ Church, Bobbie has encouraged the use of creative media in worship, courses and social events, and has planned many of the church's festival services. For 11 years she has led a team of church members in planning, creating, writing and shaping an annual outreach event, "The Contemporary Christmas Service" (do have a laugh at this YouTube trailer for 2007's service if you feel so inclined) ,and has been part of one of the Christ Church worship bands, and involved in mentoring new worship leaders. She has been a member of the church leadership team and has occasionally preached, and spoken at training events and courses. Bobbie's passions are communication and celebration, as well as prayer and spirituality, and for her, regular times of solitude are vital as a source of refreshment and inspiration.
David....? It must be my turn to contribute. I am passionate about teaching, encouraging, discerning and equipping the saints for ministry. By saints, of course I mean you. To see someone discover a gift that they were not aware of is still for me one of the most exciting moments in ministry. I love working in teams and sharing gifts, expertise and experience with others. I continue to get excited about what God has to teach us through each other. I am looking forward to seeing where God is at work in Bedhampton and sharing in His and your ministry there.
We are praying for you, please pray for us as we leave our friends here and make new friendships in Bedhampton.
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