This past weekend brought to conclusion a series of eventsover the autumn during which Nick Bell, Vicar of St Mary's for the past 20 years, took his leave of various groups in the town.

On Saturday evening we had a meal for some 200 people in the University Student Centre just across from the church. It was a wonderful time enjoyed by many in the church, hosted by Andrew Beale, ably organised by Julie and Becky and a host of helpers, with contributions by many.  There are plenty more pictures here.

 

Sunday morning was a very full service with the baptism of Nick and Hilary's grandaughter Florence Pirnie, a sermon by Nick, presentation of a host of gifts, and prayer for Nick and Hilary,  Nicks farewell sermon was about the things he has learnt in ministry that he wants to tell Florence, but it seemed quite appropriate for the rest of us!!   You can find the sermon here. and there are more pictures here.

Later in the day we held our yearly Christmas Carol service. Nick preached about the message of Christmas - it is in three parts, first here, then here and finally here.

Goodbyes began in September when we hosted a gathering for former curates and interns. It was a lovely afternoon, with many remniscences, fun stories,  and a lot of honouring!  Pictures here.

Then on November 20th St Mary's hosted a Transforming Luton event where many from across the town gathered to hear Nick and to say their goodbyes. 

Parting is sweet sorrow as they say, as it brings with it many wonderful memories, and its been a good few months.  It was a great weekend and we pray that Nick and Hilary will have a restful Christmas with family after all the emotions and hard work of leaving.

 

They wrote this morning to thank us:

"Words of thanks seem inadequate since we are still blown away by the events of last weekend! Thank you so much everybody for giving us so much of yourselves, your effort and your love to make our final days in Luton as they were. We were swept along on a spring tide of affection and we shall miss you all enormously. The individual gifts and greetings together with the gifts of the church leave us well set up for life in Norfolk; we are having great pleasure in opening, reading, and remembering! Naturally we shall be thinking and praying for you all as we worship in a very different setting this weekend, but we travel on together in different parts of God's Kingdom from now on!   With our love, our memory, and our thanks, As ever,    Nick & Hilary.