02/07/2025
Goodbye – God be with you!
This does feel a bit like writing my own obituary, but here goes!
I shall be retiring on Sunday 20th July, so I thought I'd share a few thoughts and pictures with you of my time in ministry.
How do I sum up seven years in Whitchurch Benefice and Taff Wenallt Ministry Area? For that matter, how do I sum up 29 years in ordained ministry? I suppose the simple answer boils down to just one word – joyful. I love being a priest – I love being a ministry area leader – and I loved being a vicar.
There were challenges, of course: global pandemic, lack of funds to pay the quota, a freezing cold Rectory in the winter, disgruntled parishioners, and the many times people leave messages that begin ‘I know it’s your day off, but….’
Well, despite the challenges, despite the difficulties, despite all of the above, I love my job, and I’ve loved being in ordained ministry. It fits me like a glove.
I’ve often said you could cut my arm off, and written right through the middle of me, just like a stick of rock, would be the word ‘Priest.’ It’s not what I do, it’s who I am. That’s the difference between a job and a vocation. I’m lucky enough to wake up every morning knowing I am where God wants me to be. And because I trust Him, I don’t have to worry about the challenges. St Paul once wrote ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (Romans 8v31) Paul’s attitude pretty much sums up my ministry. I’ve always known that God is in charge, and knowing this gives me the confidence to serve Him joyfully, optimistically, and hopefully, despite all the challenges.
As I prepare to move to Hartlepool to begin retirement I go with lots of memories of the special people God has blessed me with in my journey of faith. From ‘Miss Fry’ who first taught me the faith in Sunday School, to each and every one of you here in Taff Wenallt - you are all treasures of our church. You have enriched my life, my ministry and my faith, by journeying with me. Thank you!
Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your encouragement over the last seven years. It has been an honour to serve you. I will miss you all.
Finally, a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to Sallyann. Without her unwavering support my ministry would not have been possible. It’s not easy being married to a vicar, and it’s certainly not easy being married to me! I love her more than I can say, and of all the people God has blessed me with, she is the greatest. (She’ll kill me for writing this!)
Goodbye simply means ‘God Be With You’ and I think it’s the best word to end with. ‘God Be With You’ - as He is with me. May He give you courage as you face the future. May He give you joy as you seek to serve Him. May He give you hope, as you continue to trust Him - because He is in charge, and to God be the Glory!
Goodbye - God be with you.
With love and prayers,
Fr John.
Some Memories of my ministry in Taff Wenallt and Tredegar.
