Som Okonkwo has been with us at St Andrew’s for a year and half as part of his training at Sarum College. On Sunday 21 June we said goodbye to Som and his family as they move on to St Mary’s Rodbourne Cheney. We asked Som to tell us a little about his time here:
My time at St Andrew’s was a season of renewal, formation, and transformation. Looking back, I recognise that God renewed my strength through the steady rhythms of active learning, prayer, reflection, silence, listening, observation, participation, and the privilege of building relationships and walking alongside people in their journeys of faith and life. These experiences invited me not only to learn about ministry but also to reflect critically on my own assumptions, gifts, vulnerabilities, and sense of vocation.
Many thanks to all the lovely people of St Andrew's for their prayers, gifts, and support. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this next chapter of service. Prayerful best wishes from my family and myself.
A new deacon
Som Okonkwo was licensed in Bristol cathedral on 5th July as curate at St Mary's Rodbourne Cheney. It was a(nother) wonderful service with the Cathedral full of the friends and family of the 8 new deacons who will be serving in churches across the Bristol diocese.