Farewell to Revd Karen Hutchinson from Crondall & Ewshot

On Saturday 7^th January the congregations of All Saints Crondall and St Mary's Ewshot exchanged affectionate goodbyes with the Revd Karen Hutchinson, as she left to take up her new post as Vicar of the United Benefice of The Bourne and Tilford.

 

Her Institution, Induction and Installation will take place at the Church of St Thomas-on-The Bourne at 7.30 pm on Thursday 2^nd February.

In her final service at All Saints on Sunday morning 1^st January, the outgoing vicar spoke about aspects of church life.

 

Revd Hutchinson encouraged the congregations, to first of all remain welcoming. She commented “you are doing this; keep it up,” adding it would be good for everyone for instance, to take a turn on the ‘welcome teams’ so there are “two whole churches of welcomers”.

 

Secondly, she invited the churches to continue to be willing, and to meet the challenge of remaining relevant for contemporary society. While it is the task of a vicar to help each congregation to be an effective Church, this is a role which extends to more than just Sundays, she made clear.

 

As the Gospel needed to be shared afresh in every generation, she asked parishioners to demonstrate ongoing grace and flexibility in this endeavour.

 

Last but not least, she invited her flocks to be a praying parish, pointing out “we can never have too much prayer in our lives;” it is the source of inspiration. “The relationship that saves and transforms you is with God, not your vicar.”