A farewell message from Rev. Richard Croft

Dear Harboursiders,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am moving on from the parish, after 10 years as curate and associate minister at Hotwells and St Stephens.  The community has been where I have learnt much about myself and about parish ministry.  It seems a long time ago joining you as a new curate fresh out of training. 

One thing that has developed over the last 8 years has been my involvement with the Army Cadet Force.  I was asked back then to help as a chaplain to the Bristol cadets as they had gone some time without a ‘Padre’ as the army calls its chaplains.  I started off doing a few days on their annual camp, and this commitment has developed over the years.  I am now doing over 30 days a year attending camps and supporting the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. 

In many ways I feel I have found a ministry that I am suited to and where I feel I have a missional role.  It is a privilege to be part of an organization that celebrates its people of faith and gives them a role in the every day life of the cadet organization.  We now have three Padres (one is I suppose a ‘Madre’), in our  Battalion which covers the County of Bristol and the Channel Islands.  I am always amazed at what we can do as chaplains in coming alongside people, probably more the adult volunteers than cadets in fact. 

There is a spiritual hunger in our society and the chaplain’s role is one where we can meet people where they are.  As we get on with cadet force life on camps or training exercises, there are opportunities for those critical conversations where the deeper meaning of life often comes up.  It is often discussing a feeling or need to seek God and if, in response, we can provide some words and ideas for people to further explore this for themselves then I think we have done our job.  I think people are seeking the Lord, they are just not sure how to. 

Going forward I am focusing on ministry with the cadet part of the Royal Army Chaplains Department, and will develop this ministry to help with the growth of chaplaincy in a rapidly expanding national cadet force.  So it is time to say farewell.  I have enjoyed my time in the Harbourside churches and have learnt so much and met so many wonderful and inspirational people living out their faith in powerful ways.  I wish you all the best for the future and hope our paths continue to cross.

Blessings to you all

Richard