Welcome, Rev. Francis Buxton!

On June 13, David and Kory Gunderson will fly to London and then make their way to the village of St. Briavels, in west Gloucestershire, England close to the England-Wales border. The Rev. Gunderson will assume the duties of parish priest for two small congregations, and his counterpart at St. Briavels, the Rev. Francis Buxton, will come here to be with us in what is usually called a “clergy exchange”. Rev. Buxton arrives on June 12th, and he will be celebrant and preacher on June 17 and 24 at our three parishes. David was first put in touch with Fr. Buxton through summer parishioners at St. Mark’s, Malcolm and Ann Kilminster, who live in Gloucestershire and will be there to welcome the Gundersons when they arrive at St. Briavels.

Fr. Buxton has been ordained for 45 years, and has wide experience in ministry. He was a hospital chaplain in India, a University chaplain in Bath, and has worked in Birmingham, London, and Cambridge before settling into the rural life of St. Briavels. No doubt, he’ll have many interesting stories to tell of his ministry in England and abroad. He will be accompanied by his wife of 43 years, Jane, and will probably be joined by his son, Nick, who will be visiting from California.

St. Andrews will host a welcoming party for Fr. Francis Buxton and his wife on Thursday, June 14th from 5p.m to 7p.m. at the church. All parishes are welcome. We will provide the liquid refreshment. Please bring a snack to pass.

Don’t forget that after Fr. Buxton’s departure, the Rev. Mary Rowe will arrive to be our preacher and celebrant on the Sundays of July 1, 8, and 15. She is very much looking forward to her time of being with us.

Aerial view of the St. Brievals village centre. (Source: http://heritage-explorer.co.uk/).