July 2013 - Graffham Parish News

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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
and Steve has made his special mark in the spiritual life ofGraffham.Of course, "behind every great man.....". Steve and Fiona havebeen a great team who have both integrated so easily into thevillage. They have thrown their house open readily for numerouslunches and many social occasions. Fiona's contribution to thephotographic record of our beautiful Sussex scenery has been sobeneficial to the church and all of us through card sales and the like.We shall miss them both and the girls and our very best wishes gowith them to Bradfield.Steve's last service in St Giles is on 14 July. I am sure many willwant to attend. We shall hold a farewell party immediately followingthe service with some wine and small eats. Do join us.Alan GordonGraffham PCCBelow - Steve & Fiona with Amy, Lucy & Millie - Trinity Sunday 201313
Page 1 and 2: GraffhamParish NewsNo 265July 20137
Page 3 and 4: PARISH OF ST GILES GRAFFHAM &St PET
Page 5 and 6: The St Giles Church Wardensand Graf
Page 7 and 8: Annual Picnic13 th July, 2013Enjoy
Page 9 and 10: Thursday ClubRoundup of ActivitiesT
Page 11 and 12: heard singing from lone trees. We
Page 13: This is a complex project and invol
Page 17 and 18: Graffham Stoolball ClubCalling stoo
Page 19 and 20: Wed31 st July9:30 am-5:30 pmJunior/
Page 21 and 22: Top L-R Shelagh Chapman, Karin Skan
Page 23 and 24: Graffham Garden GroupAs part of the
Page 25 and 26: United ResponseOur locally founded
Page 28 and 29: Above : “Fun with Flowers” - wi
Page 30 and 31: Graffham Tennis ClubThe Tennis Repo
Page 32 and 33: Lavington Park FederationGraffham I
Page 34 and 35: Top L-R Diana White, Sue & Terry Da
Page 36 and 37: Church Notices2013 Church Cleaning
Page 38 and 39: Graffham Parish News Advertisements
Page 42 and 43: Roger Poat & PartnersProfessionally
Page 46 and 47: DirectoryArchives Terry Davy 01798

July 2013 - Graffham Parish News

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