Dear Friends,

 

What a day and what a wonderful welcome! I am writing this- my first “proper” letter to you as your Vicar– on my fourth day in office. My head is still buzzing and my heart is still full  with the joy of Sunday afternoon.

 

It was an occasion that Michelle, Ellie and I will never forget. We are most grateful to everyone who came and supported us on the day and especially to those who worked so hard to make the service and the reception go so very smoothly and happily. I have written separately to thank those who produced the marvellous buffet, flowers and cake but  I also want to record here that so many friends from far and wide commented on the beauty of the Parish Church and the warmth of the welcome they received. And to top it all the sun even shone and what a blessing that was after our soggy summer!

 

It was a great honour to be licensed and anointed by our new Bishop of Bolton, Chris Edmondson and it was a great pleasure for me to be “put in my place” by my old friend (and now my new Area Dean) Chris Bracegirdle who was acting archdeacon for the day. Canon Chris has done so very much to support the Parish during the interregnum and to support me before, during and after the appointment and moving process. Thanks to them both.

 

Since Sunday it has been straight down to work and I am delighted to have managed to visit both Bolton Parish Church school and  Bishop Bridgeman School in my first few days. I was so touched that children from both of our schools had come to greet me on my big day so I wanted to visit them as soon as possible. I was also honoured by an invitation from the Mayor and Mayoress to join him and other civic and church leaders at the Town Hall at a lunch to welcome me into my new post. I am delighted by the good strong relationships between the Town and the Parish Church and I intend to play my part in maintaining and developing them wherever I can.

 

You will find my new telephone number in the contacts section of the magazine. Hopefully by the time you are reading my letter, the number will be up and running once again. Due to the kind of teething problems that can sometimes happen in the context of a new move (especially when dealing with technology!), I have been without phone and email for ten days. My email address will be vicar@boltonparishchurch.co.uk but if you have any problems contacting me, Stephen Mort will pass on messages via the office.

 

Coming to Bolton has felt like being welcomed by family not only in church but also in the town. The welcome has indeed been wonderful. I look forward to getting to know you all better in these coming weeks and months.

 

With love and prayers

 

Matt Thompson