Rev Rosie writes May 2025

Rev Rosie Bunn
Rector of All Saints Church, Belton
and
St Peter & St Paul Church, Burgh Castle

Well, this is my last time of writing as Rector of Belton and Burgh Castle, and, in what must be around 150 or so pieces, for Village Voice
 
First of all may I say “thank you” for all the occasions I have had the privilege of ministering to you, whether it be in the regular services of the church, on Sundays or at Christmas and Easter, or at a baptism, wedding, or funeral.  Being a Church of England priest has given me opportunities I would never have expected earlier in my life:

• Sharing the joy of baptism with parents of a small child, or with adults choosing to make their own decision to follow Jesus, and encouraging them in what new life in Jesus Christ means

• Helping a bride and groom to plan their wedding, making it personal for them, but also talking about what a life-giving and life-long marriage might mean for them; getting through the difficult times as well as celebrating the good ones

• Being alongside those of you who have lost loved ones, helping to plan a funeral that honours that loved one, and taking the funeral, such an important part of the grief journey for everyone.  For some I have held their hands or held them in my heart in the last moments of life; an amazing privilege 

Secondly, another thank you, this time to a number of people who have helped transform the Rectory garden, including the dredging out of the bathing pool/pond, so that it has become a place enjoyed by many.  What fun we have had in the garden, including hosting the Queen’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Tea Parties and the evening Party in the Park, for the Diamond Jubilee, the summer fetes and dog shows.  We’ve had outdoor services, lots of youth and children activities, and even hosted a couple of wedding receptions.  More recently we have had a monthly Messy Muddy Church, enjoying all that the garden offers, helping us discover more about God, and growing together as God’s family too.  We have so enjoyed living here.  We’ve loved watching the seasonal changes, especially spring, and feeding and nurturing the ducks that have made their home here; but we will not miss the endless leaf clearing of the late autumn!  Thank you to the Village Voice who have played a huge part in the transformation of the pool/pond and supported the village social celebration activities the church has put on
 
As Tim and I leave there will not immediately be another Rector coming to take my place; the Church of England doesn’t work that way.  There will be a period of interregnum when the churches will begin to discuss and agree the kind of person they want, a parish profile will be agreed too, setting out what the parishes of Belton with Browston, and Burgh Castle have to offer in readiness for the vacancy being advertised.  During this time, there will be visiting clergy coming in to take some of the church services; church life will continue much as it has done, with the churchwardens of both churches taking responsibility for the smooth running of their churches
 
Funerals, marriages and baptisms will still be able to take place, with arrangements being made through the churchwardens, who are:
Burgh Castle: 
Margaret Greenacre:  01493 780126 or 07786936227 – mgreenacre532@gmail.com
Jeremy Gotts:  01493 789437 or 07891914008 – philip.gotts2@hotmail.com
 
All Saints, Belton:
Anneka Gearie: 07875713848 – churchwardens@allsaintsbelton.church
Adam Stone: churchwardens@allsaintsbelton.church 
 
Having my last Sunday on Easter Day, means a long day – starting with the Sunrise Service at Burgh Castle Fort at 5.30am, but it means that we leave with the churches celebration of the risen Jesus Christ.  Jesus prepared his disciples for what was going to happen, so that they could continue God’s work when he was no longer physically with them.  He is the same God – yesterday, today and forever.  God will guide and support his church during this time; the church is not the building, nor the Rector, but the people.  God’s people will continue to gather together for worship, and will continue to serve the villages as they have done whilst I’ve been Rector
 
May God bless you all – and thank you for having us