How my life has changed since we moved to Teddington over 12 years ago, when I had no intention of going through ministerial training and becoming one of the clergy at St Mary with St Alban. It has been a surprising and blessed period.

Thank you for this time together, for all I’ve learned, for the fun we’ve had and for how we have shared in life’s joys and sorrows. Being part of the church here has been brilliant, and I will miss you when I leave later this month.

At this time of year, we remember the change that the friends of Jesus went through. Following his Ascension, they had to get used to him no longer being there as they waited for the gift of his Holy Spirit. They supported each other and trusted that what God had promised would happen. When Pentecost came, they weren’t disappointed, although they still had many challenges ahead.

I am moving to become the vicar of St Paul’s Grove Park, which is next to the river in Chiswick and I am looking forward to meeting a new congregation and community, while discovering that part of London. I am thankful to God for this new adventure and I know that I will continue to discover the surprising ways in which God makes himself known.

My last Sunday is the 18th June, when I will be at all three services, the 8am, 9am and 10am.

Also, please come along and join us on Sunday 25 June, when we have all the excitement of Teddington Village Fair, a wonderful community event, and a perfect example of what makes Teddington so special. I will always treasure my time here with you.

Caroline Halmshaw

INVITATION: Caroline's Institution and Induction as Vicar of the Parish of St Paul’s takes place at 7:30pm, on 24 July 2023 at St Paul’s Grove Park, Chiswick, London W4 3SB. Refreshments will be served after the service RSVP to sara.m.hodson70@gmail.com by Wednesday 19 July. Caroline would welcome your support.