17/05/2026
Following the announcement in the morning service at church today, we wanted to share the statement from the Diocese about the Installation service delay.
"This is to let you know that due to a matter that has arisen, Rev Stewart Gibbs' move to the benefice of Ightham and Wrotham is currently delayed. We appreciate this will be disappointing for you as a church family. We are unable to provide more detail at this time, however Archdeacon of Tonbridge, Nick Cornell, is in close contact with your Churchwardens, and we will provide you with an update as soon as possible."
As we explained in the service this morning, we do not have any more details at this time, but the Benefice Joint Standing Committee has already met and started working on a plan to cover this unexpected extension to the interregnum. Jane will be contacting various clergy to try and find cover for our services and the Standing Committee have identified possible back up options for any services for which cover is not available. This may involve more United Benefice services when we worship together at one church or switching from a communion service to Service of the Word. We will be in touch with more details and the new installation date once it is confirmed.
We will continue to keep things running as smoothly as we can until Stewart is able to join us. Please keep him and our whole church family in your prayers at this challenging time.
Best wishes
Naomi and Trish
Churchwardens, Benefice of Ightham and Wrotham.
