Rev May
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are sorry to let you know that Rev May will be moving on from Immanuel Church in June. This is because the Diocese are looking to create a single, larger parish – the official announcement is below.
This is obviously very sad news for Rev May and for us as a school and community. Despite having only been here since July 2019, she got stuck in right away, and quickly became a part of us and our school community. It’s hard to imagine a time without her! Rev May is on the school gate twice a week, regularly leads us in worship across the school, is an active governor, and is a support and blessing to our school – and not just in times of need. Pre-covid, Rev May helped us in Prayer Weeks, leading worships and lessons, and being involved in different programmes the school was running or due to run. Through Rev May, we benefitted from the help of Imamnuel Church too, continuing our close links with the church. Rev May was a huge support when Mrs Hygate and Mr Carter passed away last year, too. I know you join me in thanking her for all that she has given to us as a school and community, and in wishing her all the best as she moves to her new role. Foruntately Rev May doesn’t finish until the end of June, so let’s make the most of her time with us!
We do look forward to getting to know Revd Nicola Such, who some of you may already know from St Mark’s, Kempshot. Like Rev May, she shares a heart for the community, and is keen to work alongside us as a school.
Mr Applegate
Official Announcement: Over the coming months, the Diocese of Winchester are looking to create a new single parish that unites Immanuel Church, Hatch Warren and Beggarwood and St Mark’s in Kempshott, with Revd Nicola Such (currently Vicar at St Mark’s Church) as the Vicar. We hope that together we can find a new way forward that continues to build on the close relationship that Immanuel Church has with St Mark’s School. Nicola looks forward to popping in to say hello to children and staff at some point this term, when restrictions allow. The Reverend May Barker has been offered and has accepted the post of Half Time (0.5) Incumbent of the United Benefice of St Stephen’s North Mundham and St Leodegar’s Hunston in the Diocese of Chichester.