THE White Horse Team will bid farewell to the Reverend Rhona Floate, who will lead her last service on Sunday 17th February at Holy Saviour Westbury Leigh at 10am.
Revd Rhona Floate said, “It’s just a little over two and a half years since I arrived to become priest in charge of the White Horse Team of churches serving Westbury and Dilton Marsh. Much to my surprise, and everyone else’s, I will be moving on to pastures very soon. My final service will be followed by a bring and share lunch. Please join us if you can.
“One of the privileges of my role has been to meet so many amazing people. I meet people who tackle the challenges and celebrate the joys of life in ways that have inspired and humbled me. Some face personal difficulties with huge bravery. Some campaign or fundraise for particular causes.
“Others contribute through voluntary and business ventures, schools and other agencies. Sometimes my role is to actively support them. Sometimes to watch, learn, admire and thank them. Always I give thanks to God for them.
“People give their time because they care about people and the quality of their lives, not because they want to be noticed. But look around you, see what is going on, and who is doing it. Give them your support in whatever way you can because that is how we make the places where we live even better.
“The churches have continued strengthening their connections with the wider community. Members belong to many different organisations as well as run church groups. It’s been exciting to see a team led by my colleague Revd Caroline Husband and Ruth Brooks-Martin, of Spurgeons, launch Little Saints’. This parent/carer and toddler group meets in Westbury Parish Hall on Thursdays, 1.15-2.45pm during term time.
“The community is supportive of the church too. The response to our appeal for All Saints’ Westbury’s Tower Roof Repair Fund was generous and much appreciated. Our Café’ Churches in Dilton Marsh and Westbury Junior School are both growing and attracting new people into worship. It’s all really encouraging. I love this place and its people and there is so much to enjoy here, so why leave? The reason is simply that a dream job I had described five years ago suddenly appeared. I felt God was calling me to apply and was thrilled to be appointed.
“Based in Aldbourne, near Marlborough, I will work half-time as team vicar in the Whitton benefice. I will also be half-time rural field officer for Wilts Archdeaconry, providing support and training in clergy and lay leaders of rural churches across the North Wiltshire.
“It’s part of a new development programme across the Diocese of Salisbury and takes me back to the rural ministry that I have always loved. But I also take with me the wisdom and insights that you have shared with me here. I will always be thankful for your love and support and allowing me to be part of your lives. My new role starts with a licensing service at Holy Cross Church, Ramsbury on Wednesday 20th March at 7.00pm, and everyone is welcome to attend.”
Sharon Jones said, “Rhona always gives thoughtful and considered answers when facing challenges, laced with humour when appropriate, and has worked hard to help all the churches work together to make a strong team. As she said in her farewell letter in the parish magazine: threads that are twisted closely together are much stronger then one thread on its own. We wish her every blessing in her new post.”