Jacquie's Farewell Aug 2014

I have just 6 weeks now until I get married to my wonderful fiancée Wiggy and leave my job here in Uffculme and Willand! I am super excited about our wedding, our new house and our life together in Wales- but so sad to leave a community which has been home for the last 2 years.

I arrived in Devon 10 years ago to do my teacher training at St. Luke’s in Exeter. I taught RE for 4 years before becoming a primary schools co-ordinator for a schools-work charity. For the last 2 years I have been working here doing all variety of children’s and youth ministry. I have enjoyed setting up Taste café, Messy Church, leading 3 youth groups, planning many school trips, starting a very successful story club in 2 primary schools, organising training events, Easter celebrations, prayer spaces projects and the Christmas experience for over 400 children in 2 schools. I have helped lead family services, Sunday schools, a drop in café, prayer meetings and workshops to name but a few. We have welcomed children and youth from far and wide and I have worked with well over 500 children and young people across the area. Whether it has been teaching Bible stories, preaching, praying together, singing songs with silly actions, doing craft or trying to grapple with the creation/evolution debate- it has been a privilege and joy to journey with you all!

Several wonderful volunteers and some sessional workers will be carrying the baton of children’s and youth ministry from September onwards - so much of what I have been doing will continue. Taste café every 4th Sunday and Messy Church every 3rd Friday are both going strong- if you’ve not yet been to these but know children 5-11yrs - they are both wonderful opportunities to enjoy food together, make a mess doing craft, play games and learn about the truth of the Bible. There are also some exciting new ventures in Sunday school, café and storyclub- so watch this space!!

My last day is Sunday 20th July and it would be lovely to see you at Uffculme for the 11am service. There will be lots of baptisms that day so it should be a great morning! I have made many friends and memories and will miss Devon greatly; but you won’t have much of a chance to miss us- as we will often be back to visit!!

Jacquie