August 2008: Farewell to Bill and Helen Rigby
'There is a time for everything and a season for every purpose under heaven'.
So says the writer of Ecclesiastes… and the time came for Bill and Helen to move on, as clergy do every so often, to pastures new. Bill will be licensed in September to serve as vicar in Bywell and Stocksfield. Their presence will be missed at Holy Nativity, as we wait for a new vicar to be appointed.
We celebrated their 8 years at Holy Nativity with a Songs of Praise – hymns chosen and presented by Bill and Helen. The church was full and the tables were laden. We wish them every blessing in their new place of ministry.
Going out with a bang! – farewell cake cutting
Songs of Praise on the eve of departure
Bill and Helen with local councillors: Marc Donnelly, Neil Hamilton and Pat Hillicks