July 2013 - Graffham Parish News

Farewell to Our RectorSteve Gray has been our Rector, and Chaplain at Seaford Collegefor the last 3 years and we are very sorry to see him and Fiona andtheir three daughters Lucy, Amy and Millie leave us. He isappointed the Senior Chaplain to Bradfield College in Berkshire.In the very short time he has been with us Steve has reached intoso many corners of our community. During term time his emphasishas been with Seaford where "the Rev" is popular with staff andpupils alike. A full time job one might think, but he always makestime for his parishioners in need and he has rarely missed aservice. He is a people person so easily able to identify with youngand old alike; those who come to church and those who might; andthose who will never come to church but who are every bit as mucha member of our community. Is that not the essence of a goodparson, one whose personal conviction and spirituality shines outbut who is available to all as a teacher or just as a friend. That hasbeen our very fortunate experience with our Rector.Sport has been his life long passion as he so eloquently explainedat the last Men's Breakfast at the White Horse. Now there is atradition he has started which we must strive to maintain! Anotherinstitution has been his Seaford v Graffham hockey on Boxing Day.I am sure Seaford will miss his coaching prowess and Graffham willcertainly miss his batting. He has run marathons to raise money forcharity and the sporting tales could go on. Our loss is Bradfield'sgain.Both Fiona and Steve have a deep interest in Africa and Steve hasset up two charitable links, one between Seaford and a school inRwanda and the other between our parish and the Diocese of Buyein Burundi where we support a theological college, a school and anHIV/AIDS clinic. I am sure he would wish that these projects to helpthose in need in Africa might continue.His congregation in St Giles has grown under his leadership and StGiles is packed at festival times; surely a considerable tribute to ourRector. He preaches in that impressive style without notes from thebody of the church and yet he recalls quotes a-plenty andseemingly with ease and his message is clear yet profound. Henever preaches for too long. I am in awe! Ably supported by hischurch wardens and our organist Richard Bailey, not to mention ahost of others, St Giles maintains a focal place in our community12