By Pam McClounie Carlisle north reporter

Last updated at 09:20, Saturday, 07 July 2012

There will be monkeys in the garden and pink bananas on the trees when Stanwix vicar Ben Phillips and his family move to Brazil next week.

Ben with his wife Jo and children, from left, Tom, Kate, and Jack

Mr Phillips, 36, his wife Jo, 37, and their children, Jack, nine, Kate, seven, and Tom, four, are looking forward to their new life on the other side of the world – but will miss the friends they have made in Cumbria.

Mr Phillips, who has been vicar at St Michael’s Church in Stanwix and St Mark’s Church in Belah for seven years, will fly to Rio de Janeiro on Friday. He will conduct his last services at both churches tomorrow.

Mr Phillips will be chaplain of Christ Church, Botafogo – the only English-speaking Anglican Church, where Anglicans in Rio gather.

He said: “The two parishes are surprisingly similar. Jo and I went out for a recce and it’s a very lively church with some young folk – a proper natural community.

“Carlisle has become our home and the people in the church have been really welcoming, patient and tolerant.

“The children finished school last week to give them a break because they are due to start school in Brazil on August 1.

“It is winter in Brazil at the moment so the temperature is only about 23C.”

During his time at the two churches, attendances have risen, a youth worker has been appointed and successful Sunday schools are in operation.

Mr Phillips has also been instrumental in completing phase one of a church restoration project.

He said: “I am more of a people vicar than a buildings vicar. I feel I have put lots of things in bud and the new vicar, whoever that may be, will be able to bring them to blossom.”

A new vicar for Stanwix and Belah will not be appointed until next year.

“This is normal Church of England practice so the new vicar does not step straight into my shoes,” said Mr Phillips.

In the meantime, services will be conducted by curate Chris Bolster and the church ministry team.

Mrs Phillips said: “We are all looking forward to seeing the monkeys in the garden and the fruit on the trees and of course the Rio carnival in February.

“The washing machine at our new home is in a room outside and from there I can see the statue of Christ the Redeemer that overlooks the city. It is an amazing sight.

“We are all looking forward to learning Portuguese – especially the children.”

Kate said: “It’s going to be great because Dad says we can go to the beach every week.”

Mr Phillips will be installed at his new church in Brazil on Saturday, July 21.

First published at 08:56, Saturday, 07 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk