As some of you may already know, I am leaving my position as Minister at Fairfield Community Church from the end of January 2019 in order to explore what I feel God has planned next for me. This has been a hard decision as I have thoroughly enjoyed working in such a vibrant community. I have made so many lovely friends and met so many amazing people over the past decade, had so much fun and laughter, it truly is with mixed feelings that I leave. 

When I first came up to Fairfield, it was to stand in a muddy field with a flag bearing the title ‘school’. I came with several people from the Baptist church in Stotfold to pray blessing over the area and all those who would soon be living here. At the time I didn’t know I would be honoured to serve as the first minister in the newly created Fairfield community. As houses and apartments appeared, time and again we heard people’s desire for a community being voiced. It has been my absolute privilege to be part of the development of this community as the church has, and continues to, seek to serve Christ by being a light in this place. 

There have been Sunday services, mid-week groups, remembrance services, wedding blessings, baptisms, funerals, treat and treat evenings, Fairfield Alive days, Christmas carols: in the park, the Orchard and late on Christmas Eve, youth activities, children’s clubs and holiday clubs, coffee and craft mornings, the Easter Experience, treasure hunts, the Ark baby and toddler group, the coffee hub and so much more! I have been blessed to share it all with gifted and generous people, full of faith. 

As a New Year begins may I encourage you to determine to walk with gentleness, grace and kindness into it, looking out for one another and treasuring the many good things God has given you. Fairfield is a remarkable place and I believe God’s love is available to everyone here, if we will but look for him in the everyday things of life. 

My thanks and best wishes to you all, 

Rev’d Neil Whitmill