Isaiah writes, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news” (Isaiah 52:7). Sometimes those words feel very close to home, because in recent weeks I’ve received three very different kinds of good news, each one a reminder that God is still at work, calling, encouraging, and surprising us.
The first was the joyful news that from July 2026, Sarah Hobbs will be joining us as Assistant Curate. A curate is a newly ordained minister, serving her first post after training. Perhaps the nearest parallel is to an apprentice: someone who has studied hard, who already carries the authority of their role, but who is still learning in the real-life context of parish life. For us, it means we will have the privilege of walking alongside Sarah as she grows into the priest she is called to be. That’s not just my role as Training Incumbent; it belongs to all of us. Every conversation, every service, every shared prayer will help shape her. And what a gift that is, to be part of someone’s formation, to watch them discover who they are in Christ, and to learn from them in turn.
The second piece of good news was more personal: I have been granted a Sabbatical in March, April and May next year. A sabbatical is a time of rest, reflection and renewal, offered every ten years or so to clergy. The pace of parish life is a blessing but also a challenge, from Sunday services and school assemblies to weddings, funerals, youth groups, coffee mornings and community events, the rhythm is unrelenting. A Sabbatical allows space to pause, to step back, to listen more closely to God and to learn anew. For me, it will be a time to pray, read, walk, write, and reflect, so that when I return, I can serve with fresh energy and a renewed sense of vision. It is not a holiday, though it will include rest; it is a season of deepening. And it is an extraordinary gift, one I don’t take for granted.
The third piece of good news arrived in a letter from Bishop Nick and Dean John, inviting me to become an Honorary Canon of Ripon Cathedral. What does this mean? It is an honorary title given in recognition of ministry in the diocese. It means I will have a stall in the Cathedral and a place in its extended chapter, sometimes joining the Cathedral community for major services and events. But the heart of it is not about titles or robes; it is about connection, a visible sign that what we do in Nidderdale is part of the wider life of the Church. I feel deeply humbled by this recognition, and I see it not just as something personal but as an honour that reflects our shared ministry as a parish.
Three very different announcements, yet each one speaks of God’s generosity and the way he delights in giving us good things. Like the shepherds who heard the angel’s song, we are reminded again: “Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
So I give thanks: for the gift of walking alongside Sarah in her formation, for the space of sabbatical to renew my ministry, and for the honour of being made a Canon of Ripon Cathedral. Three messages of good news, each carrying the promise that God is not finished with us yet, but is leading us onward into joy.
Until next time,
Darryl.