Good evening lovely people,

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Just a few days to go and excitement is mounting, My main excitements are whether I will get everything wrapped in time, whether I will be able to find time to run the hoover round before my parents arrive and notice the mess, and whether we can find the leaf that extends the table so we can fit 11 for lunch. Wish me luck!

I am also reminded that we will be saying goodbye to two members of the team –

Sarah’s last day with us will be on Christmas Day. After that she has leave to move and will no longer be available. Please direct any queries or needs for Raglan, Bryngwyn, Bettws Newydd, Llandenny, Trostrey, and Kemeys Commander to Will Ingle-Gillis.

Sarah is coming back to us for a final hoorah on Wednesday 8^th January 6pm – a service followed by a bring and share in Raglan. The service will take the form of all Sarah’s favourite hymns, and some readings. It promises to be joyful and uplifting.

We are also getting ready to say goodbye to Sue as she prepares to take up her new role as chaplain in the local hospitals. I know Sue is very excited about this, and will be saying goodbye on Sunday 9^th February in a special service in Goytre. There will be more details about this in the New year, we have plenty of time to give Sue a good send off.  Sue and her family will continue to live in the rectory in Nantyderry for a while after Sue has finished with us, while they pursue their plan to purchase a home. However, from 9th February all queries from Goytre, Monkswood, Glascoed, Llanover, and Mamhilad should be directed to me please .We will begin conversations in the New Year about the process for advertising for a new team vicar too.

Please keep Sarah and Sue, and their families, in your prayers.

This will be the last letter from me this year. In fact my next LIFT letter will be on Thursday 9^th January2025! Wow! 

I hope that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and that 2025 arrives with peace and hope for you all. Whilst there won’t be much admin or routine stuff being done between Christmas and the New Year, if you have an urgent pastoral need, please don’t hesitate to be in touch – leave a message on my answerphone and I will get back to you.

With love as always,

Sally xxxx

Please note that Friday is usually my rest day. Emails received on Friday may not be responded to until after the weekend. Thank you for your understanding.