Stockton Circuit Bids a Fond Farewell to Revd Vincent

The Stockton Circuit has bid a fond farewell to our Superintendent Minister Revd Dr. Vincent Jambawo. Vincent has served as Superintendent of the Circuit since September 2021. At a farewell service held on the 26th of July the Circuit enjoyed hearing Vincent preach, listened to testimony from members of the Circuit about his time here and had a very good sing (there were nine hymns!!!).

Vincent has been a great supporter of the church's within the Circuit some of which have faced interesting times during his tenure here and throughout his time here he has led the Circuit with grace, humility, wisdom and his unforgettable sense of humour. He will be greatly missed, though he will be taking part of the Circuit with him because he has been gifted a cross (as seen in the image above) that is made out of wood from one of Norton's pews.

Below is a letter from Vincent written after the farewell service.

Dear Friends, Siblings, Sisters and Brothers

It is not often that I am lost for words. But the farewell service you held for Leah and me, and all our family, on the evening of 26th July 2026 left me completely speechless. Like Ezekiel — who found himself rendered silent until the moment God opened his mouth again — I discovered at the farewell service that there are times when speech simply cannot keep pace with the heart. Allow me then to simply say: Thank you. Mazvita. Siyabonga.

The order of service — prepared unusually but lovingly by “committee” led by Catherine Bemrose and Paul Toplis — was a joy. It carried the character, creativity, and heartbeat of every part of our Circuit. It was holy collaboration at its best, shaped by lay and ordained colleagues who came together with care, imagination, and a compelling shared desire to bless. I am deeply grateful for the time, thought, and prayer poured into it. A huge round of applause to the AV team of John Moore, Ken Oliver and John Stubbs.  The Rev Dr Martin Ramsden and the Rev Kundai Katiyo led the worship with grace and sensitivity; speakers from across our churches and the Circuit Leadership Team offered words full of generosity, humour, and insight; and the congregation gathered from every corner of the Circuit — including the District EDI Officer, the Rev Sarah Ramsden and our supernumeraries, the Revs Tim Boocock, Roy Burley, John Howard-Norman, and Neville Simpson — made the occasion a true family celebration of our shared journey. The Rev Rob Weir, a friend and colleague, spoke words of encouragement to us for the Darlington District. 

The celebration of the Lord’s Supper was especially moving. To gather at the Table — as a Circuit family, in thanksgiving, in memory, and in hope — felt like the most fitting way to mark our years together. Sharing bread and wine with you reminded me again that ministry is always shared, always communal, always rooted in Christ’s gracious invitation. It was a moment of deep blessing for me and my family. The music lifted everything even further. Mike Pritchard’s experienced and gifted leadership at the organ brought depth and beauty to the worship; Touchwood — our prodigiously talented Circuit music group from Norton Methodist Church, led by Peter Bemrose brought energy, colour, and joy, carrying the whole service into an even higher realm of celebration. All 8 churches in the Circuit shared movingly in rendering the prayers of intercession.

We were overwhelmed by your generosity. The touching messages of love and the many gifts we received, including the £1,200, from individuals, the Stockton Circuit, Norton and North Billingham Methodist Churches, were thoughtful, practical, and profoundly touching. We will use some of this money to support some of the charities we care for as a family, and some of it will help us replace some white goods for the new manse. You clearly blessed us in ways that will continue to support and encourage us as we step into the next chapter.

On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, THANK YOU for every kindness, every prayer, every act of love, and every moment of shared ministry over these years. Serving as your Superintendent has been one of the great privileges of my life, and Stockton Circuit will always remain part of my story and part of my heart. I will tell that story with fondness and love. I will sing that song with energy and prophetic imagination.

With deep gratitude and affection

Vincent Jambawo, Outgoing Stockton Circuit Superintendent