This morning we met  for our  Parish Eucharist, and to hear Hans Florin  preach for the last 'official' time. Hans is a Lutheran Pastor who has lived in Sidlesham for many years and preached many times. His reflections on the Stations of the Cross in Holy Week have become part of out Easter preparations. He is going to live in America and rejoin a Lutheran Church there. He will of course always be welcome to join us at St Mary's as Preacher or as member of the congregation.

The Eucharist was very well attended as many people came to say goodbye to Hans. The Choir sang the Mozart 'Ave Verum' as the Anthem, and to mark Hans' German origins the final hymn was 'Glorious things of the are spoken'.

Just before the Blessing Father Stephen presented Hans with a gift from all his friends at St Marys, a Silver model of the Church made by Timothy Roe of Chichester. The Choir sang the Clare Benediction by John Rutter. Hans then gave us the Lutheran Blessing in German.

After the service there was a social time for chatting, and a glass of wine. The Sunday School children arrived to say good bye, and although he is not going quite yet, it is true to say that we reached the end of an era at St Marys. Good luck in the future to Hans and Eve from every one at St Marys.