The location of the vicarage being adjacent to the railway line brought back memories for Gayle of where she lived during her Primary School years. At that time her family lived on a small block of land that backed on to Morrinsville. It too had a railway line adjacent to its boundary. This section of the line was a convenient shortcut when she walked to school and her sister to work. Most mornings a phone call to the local railway station checked out if it was a safe time to use it. On frosty mornings things could be quite slippery.

For me the railway reminds me of regular holiday treks to the local railway station. My friend and I liked to walk along the platform to look at the steam engines, as they were back in those days.  Dargaville was the end of a branch line and the engine, after overnight in action had to be stoked up with coal prior to travelling to the link with the main line. On one occasion the train driver invited us to come aboard. He showed us around the cab. Without a smile he then invited me to stand on a plate set in the floor. I was to look up to a gauge he pointed to so I could see my weight. I did, and the hinged cover to the fire box swung open! The fire had been well stoked and was roaring. I stood looking into a fiery furnace! I can vouch for the intensity of the coal fired heat. He laughed and I learned in this case that ignorance is not always bliss.

Memories are precious. Our time with you here at St Paul’s has been just that. It will be greatly treasured as we look back. Thank you for the walm welcome you extended to us during our time with you. The bell chimes on Sunday morning are very special as they are skilfully human driven. St Mark’s, my church, has a single bell that is operational at the flick of a switch! Due to renovations required for St Mark’s the bell has not sounded for almost three years.

Thank you too for the opportunity to observe and work with church members who are committed to their faith. Both Gayle and I have valued being able to worship with a community in which members have chosen to be involved in sharing their giftings before, during and after the Eucharist. Such involvement of a number members of the parish in the Sunday morning worship is something I have not experienced during my priesthood.

As this is my last “Geoff Writes”, two words came immediately to mind as I began to type. Adieu and Goodbye. Both words carry a common meaning. Adieu has French origins and was used in England as far back as the twelve hundreds. A Google search reveals Adieu as, “French for Goodbye. Adieu literally means “to God” and was part of a phrase meaning “I commend you to God.” Goodbye is actually a contraction of the phrase ‘God be with you’. May our Goodbyes mean exactly that. God be with you.

In closing, may I both commend and challenge? To do so I use Paul’s words to the church in Galatia. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

Geoff.

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you