Retirement Of the Rev Gill Smith

Last Sunday, the morning service was Choral Holy Communion conducted by the Rector, the Rev Gill Smith. During the service the Rev Gill made this announcement: “I am now in a position to name a definite date for my retirement and our leaving Potton. My farewell service (as already advised) will be on 14 July, and this will now be my last service in the Benefice. We will move out of the Rectory by 31 July. The Vacancy will formally begin on 1st August. I have submitted my resignation to the Bishop of St Albans, and my retirement will be announced widely on Monday May 13th.

It has been the greatest privilege to have been assigned to this Benefice for what has been the whole of my stipendiary ministry and I thank you deeply for your love and support throughout that time, and for what we have been able to achieve together. Both Bob and I have also made many special friendships and it will be a huge wrench to leave this place.”

The announcement of course is not unexpected but had to wait for specific dates to be verified. Gill’s last service will be on July 14th with the Bishop of Bedford attending and it is hoped many of you who have been ministered to by Gill with weddings, baptisms and other family events, may be able to attend this service. The service will be followed by a farewell roast lunch in the church hall. It will be a huge wrench for all her friends here as well and we all wish her a happy retirement with husband Bob.