Rev Alison Mathew
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To the church family in the RSK Benefice.
We are writing to announce that Rev Alison Mathew has been appointed as Priest-in-charge of St. Oswald’s, King Park in the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway. Alison has been with us here in the RSK Benefice for over 7 years, and many of you will have come to know her as both a gifted priest and a trusted friend. |
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The Rt Revd Kevin Pearson, Bishop of the United Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway says: “We are delighted that Alison is coming to work with us in the diocese and serve as the Priest-in-Charge of St Oswald’s. Her wisdom and skills will become an important part of our diocesan life as she helps St Oswald’s begin to establish its future ministry and mission in reaching out to the community in which it is set, building upon the many great friendships and connections that already exist. Alison’s skills and talents will be very much the foundation for the development of ministry in the Kings Park area. We look forward to seeing how, as Alison’s ministry in the Charge develops, the whole diocese can gain insights from this pioneering situation.”
Rob says, “It’s been an enormous privilege to share in ministry with Ali over the time we’ve had together. I’ve been so grateful for her kindness, her friendship, her wisdom, her resilience, and her many other gifts. Obviously this news comes tinged with sadness that we will no longer be the beneficiaries of all that she is and all that has to offer, but that sadness is held alongside gratitude for what she has been and joy for all that she is continuing to be as she goes to serve the church in her beloved Scotland. She goes with our prayers, our profound appreciation, and our love.
Speaking about her appointment, Alison said: “It is with very mixed emotions that I write this. Making this decision has been difficult to say the least. Leaving here will not be easy – this Benefice is family. We have been through great times together – but also, of course, more difficult times, particularly in the past couple of years through lockdown. However, I look around me post-lockdown, and I see a Benefice in really good heart – God is moving in so many ways, new people are being drawn in and there are signs of new growth everywhere. It is very encouraging! Though it is difficult for me to leave, the time is right for all sorts of reasons, not least of which is both a desire to be nearer my parents and to respond to the sense that God is calling me to serve out this next part of my ministry at St. Oswald’s.
When I left my curacy to come here in 2015 the Bishop gave me a baton to
bring with me and on it he wrote these words from Hebrews Chapter 12 ‘let
us run with perseverance the race that is set before us’ I need two batons now – one for me to give to you and one to take with me – a reminder that we all share in the work of God’s kingdom, wherever we are. There will always be a bed in Glasgow for you should anyone like to venture up north. I would love to see you and I know for sure I will be back to visit. The words thank you seem too small, but thank you for being such an amazing bunch of folk!”
For Alison’s last two Sundays with us, she will be presiding at Radley and Sunningwell on Easter Sunday and at her farewell service in Kennington on Sunday 16th April. Please join us in praying for her:
Rob says, “It’s been an enormous privilege to share in ministry with Ali over the time we’ve had together. I’ve been so grateful for her kindness, her friendship, her wisdom, her resilience, and her many other gifts. Obviously this news comes tinged with sadness that we will no longer be the beneficiaries of all that she is and all that has to offer, but that sadness is held alongside gratitude for what she has been and joy for all that she is continuing to be as she goes to serve the church in her beloved Scotland. She goes with our prayers, our profound appreciation, and our love.
Speaking about her appointment, Alison said: “It is with very mixed emotions that I write this. Making this decision has been difficult to say the least. Leaving here will not be easy – this Benefice is family. We have been through great times together – but also, of course, more difficult times, particularly in the past couple of years through lockdown. However, I look around me post-lockdown, and I see a Benefice in really good heart – God is moving in so many ways, new people are being drawn in and there are signs of new growth everywhere. It is very encouraging! Though it is difficult for me to leave, the time is right for all sorts of reasons, not least of which is both a desire to be nearer my parents and to respond to the sense that God is calling me to serve out this next part of my ministry at St. Oswald’s.
When I left my curacy to come here in 2015 the Bishop gave me a baton to
bring with me and on it he wrote these words from Hebrews Chapter 12 ‘let
us run with perseverance the race that is set before us’ I need two batons now – one for me to give to you and one to take with me – a reminder that we all share in the work of God’s kingdom, wherever we are. There will always be a bed in Glasgow for you should anyone like to venture up north. I would love to see you and I know for sure I will be back to visit. The words thank you seem too small, but thank you for being such an amazing bunch of folk!”
For Alison’s last two Sundays with us, she will be presiding at Radley and Sunningwell on Easter Sunday and at her farewell service in Kennington on Sunday 16th April. Please join us in praying for her:
Gracious God,
in your Son Jesus you call us friends.
We thank you for Alison’s ministry and friendship amongst us,
for her faithfulness serving the church,
her tenderness walking with those who needed a companion,
and her example in working with our whole community.
Watch over her final months with us,
and give her everything she needs for the times ahead.
As we pray for her, we pray too for those you are calling her to serve,
that in her they may discover the blessing that we have known,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
in your Son Jesus you call us friends.
We thank you for Alison’s ministry and friendship amongst us,
for her faithfulness serving the church,
her tenderness walking with those who needed a companion,
and her example in working with our whole community.
Watch over her final months with us,
and give her everything she needs for the times ahead.
As we pray for her, we pray too for those you are calling her to serve,
that in her they may discover the blessing that we have known,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.