Sad, confused, disappointed. Jesus's disciples returned to Galilee and sought out comfort in the familiar - they went fishing. They thought they were alone, the teacher was gone. Now what. But he hadn't gone. He met them at the dawn of a new day. It was all in the plan for the best. 

Maybe we were confused and disappointed when the second attempt to recruit a Rector failed. We had no leader. Now what.
We live life forwards, but it makes sense looking backwards, seeing how God's plan has worked out. Already we are seeing a new day forming, a new way ahead. Both churches have developed, maybe the United Benefice has done its job. Each church is strong in its own way.

The Archdeacon made his observations and our PCCs are looking at a separation of the United Benefice. St Andrew's can then seek someone to meet the desired profile without it being blurred by the differing qualities of St Mary's. You can read the full statement here.

DWG, a webmaster.

p.s. You can still read all the Bethany Blog (so far) here