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| St. James's Road, Hampton Hill, TW12 1DQ (Parish Office 020 8941 6003) | |
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Our curate, Julie
Gittoes, has left St James’ to take up the post of Vicar at All
Saints Church, Hampton. Her last Sunday here was 16th July 2006. As
we wish Julie god-speed for her move to All Saints, we thank her for
her gift of the last three years; during this time her ministry has
deepened and widened and we have had the benefit of her spirituality,
faith and dedication. We have enjoyed her company and friendship, and
also have learned how to make really appetising vegetarian food! Thank
you for everything, Julie, and go with our love and best wishes for
your work at All Saints. As Brian said: “lucky them”. |
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"As we wish Julie god-speed for her move to All Saints, we
thank her for her gift of the last three years; during this time her
ministry has deepened and widened and we have had the benefit of her
spirituality, faith and dedication. We have enjoyed her company and
friendship, and also have learned how to make really appetising vegetarian
food! Thank you for everything, Julie, and go with our love and best
wishes for your work at All Saints. As Brian said: “lucky them”. |
"Arriving in
our house at tea-time is not always the easiest of experiences. Far
form a civilised cuppa with a slice of cake or a crumbly flapjack the
atmosphere is more like feeding time at the zoo with a frenzy of small
(often unwashed) hands grabbing what takes their fancy, tossing aside
what doesn't and giving no quarter to the presence of a guest in their
midst - let alone a lady of the cloth! Brian and Ramani had got used
to their wild and primitive neighbours (and, I suppose, had been through
at least little of it when Anusha was younger) but I did wonder what
Julie's reaction would be when she first made the brave move of knocking
on the door in the late afternoon. Ducking the bits of sausage, side-stepping
the piles of mash and ignoring the undignified chomping Julie was, of
course, superb, unfazed, unflappable and probably mildly amused!
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It is this friendly approachability, combined with her calm and
thoughtful ministry in church that has been such a blessing for us,
as I'm sure it has been for many. She has been there during difficult
times - visiting Susannah when she was in hospital three years ago
was of great comfort to her - and has been fantastic company at many
a party! During Brian's sabbatical we could not have asked for a better
priest to be in charge. She will do a wonderful job at All Saints
and we are so pleased that she will be nearby, enabling our friendship
to continue. I hope she'll even turn up for tea now and again…" |
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"Julie has made
a believer out of me! Since her arrival at St James’ the notion
of women priests has begun to make sense. This is not because of some
particular female characteristic but rather that she doesn’t allow
gender to define her vocation and priesthood. Accepting a woman as a
priest is a huge leap for me and I’m very grateful to her. Putting
that to one side, Julie is approachable, understanding and supportive,
fun to relax with over a generous gin and a greatly valued friend." Source: Isobel Hammond, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July |
"We have watched Julie blossom over the last couple of years
into a mature priest with distinctive views. Her development is grounded
in a powerful intellect allied to a natural sensitivity to the particular
audience she's addressing. In assisting our Lent Group - with an average
age in excess of 60! - she combined her extensive knowledge of the
bible and Jesus's life with subtle prompting. By modestly steering
the debate, she stimulated us to contribute in areas which may otherwise
have remained untouched. At a baptism in May, her gentle message -
delivered informally in front of the congregation and virtually without
notes - on the importance of the family's love both for the new child
entering the Kingdom of God and for one another touched everyone,
young or old. Julie is wise beyond her years, always willing to help
and, above all, human." |
| "When Julie joined our 'Tuesday Group' at Kath Brooks', she
demonstrated her gift of being utterly unobtrusive, yet always noticeable.
We immediately felt comfortable with her and although she spoke with
a wisdom that far outweighed her years, she never assumed the role
of 'teacher'. She was a wonderful listener, always giving credence
to what was said, however 'off the wall' . She identified with our
dilemmas and would somehow sort them out without appearing to do so.
We will so much miss her warmth and humour , but will cherish all
that she has given us." |
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"I have really appreciated having a curate
who has been a confidante, a spiritual leader, a pastoral carer, a
fellow musician and most of all a friend. She never imposes her ideas
on us or preaches at us other than when she should do – in the
pulpit! I have had some lovely times with Julie - one Friday evening
when neither of us had anything to do after choir practice ( 2 Billy
No Mates) and no dinner cooked at home , we went for a curry in Hampton
Hill. It was a lovely evening. We always giggle together. Once, we
almost destroyed a Properties Committee meeting by giggling when there
was a serious discussion about who would be the ladder monitor at
church! We almost lost control we were stifling laughs so much. I
was with Julie (and Sarah and Jackie) quite a lot in Sri Lanka and
she was a really good 'mate'. Again, we had some great laughs. Julie
always takes the trouble to answer your questions and gets back to
you when she says she will. She really cares about her job and the
people. She does a lot in a quiet and conscientious way." |
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"We moved to
Teddington from Acton three years ago, with Rosamond one year into her
ordination training. St James quickly became our new home parish, and
we found Julie's immense kindness and goodwill a great source of support.
Over the last three years, it has been our privilege to get to know
Julie better. With her searing intellect and good humour, she has become
a good colleague to Rosamond and a good friend to us both, sharing both
good times (mostly gin-soaked) and trials. We are glad she is not moving
too far away, and wish her every blessing for her ministry at All Saints." Source: Tim and Rosamond McDowell, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July |
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