After many months of discussion, the Scheme for Pastoral Reorganisation was “made” on Monday 13th January. This begins a notice and preparation period of six months, so that by July 13th this year, our two parishes will be united with Forton, and create one new parish. The current proposals are that Holy Trinity and Christ Christ remain parish churches, and St John’s, Forton becomes a “Mission Hub” (a centre for community, innovation and new forms of worship, refurbished and renewed by a grant from the Church of England’s “Strategic Development Fund”). There will also be brand new clergy and lay leadership posts, some also funded by the “Strategic Development Fund”. The hope and expectation is that this will bring new life and growth to the church in our part of Gosport, and complement more tradition forms of worship and ministry with new and innovative forms. Father Andy Davis will not be part of the new parish. He is to be Parish Priest in Bramley, Guildford.
Departure of Fr Andy and Chris Davis
It was with mixed emotions and after a lot of thought and prayer, that Fr Andy and Chris decided that it was time for them to go. Fr Andy has finished ministering in Gosport and is to be Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity, Bramley in the Diocese of Guildford.
Due to the coronovirus pandemic, Andy is due to be Licensed via Skype on Thursday 23rd April (St George’s Day).
After thirty years of ordained ministry in Portsmouth Diocese, and nearly thirteen years as Vicar of Christ Church and Holy Trinity there are many personal and pastoral memories; some sorrows, but countless joys. From the bottom of their hearts, Fr Andy and Chris thank everyone for their support and friendship, and for all the joys, sorrows, love, laughter, tears, worship and prayer that has been shared.