A minister who spent 30 years working in civil and structural engineering before answering the call is retiring after 13 years of service.
The Revd John Lee, Minister of Thatcham 国产无码, a father of two and grandfather of four, explains his ministerial journey and shares what some friends and colleagues said when he told them about his then new adventure.
鈥淚 can remember emailing 70 different people in my contacts from my career,鈥� John said.
鈥淚 got a range of replies. A lot of them wishing me well. Some couldn鈥檛 understand it and wished me well in my new hobby. Some said they could see that as a next step they could see it in me which was really nice and quite affirming.鈥�
John, who is 70, said his 鈥渃alling鈥� was quite subtle and not 鈥淕od pointing a big finger at him.
鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 work that way,鈥� he continued. 鈥淵ou get a sense of change, a sense of there is more to do in life that is more worthwhile.
鈥淵ou feel a calling, you go to investigate and it all falls into place.鈥�
John, a non-stipendiary minister, has enjoyed his ministerial journey.
He worked through the pandemic and has seen many people through some difficult, personal situations.
鈥淪ome families have lost loved ones young or old,鈥� he continued. 鈥淚t has been hard because some people have gone through terrible things. But you walk with them it.鈥�
The minister praises the support of his church who he feels is like an extended family.
鈥淚 have always preached the value of a church family,鈥� adds John. 鈥淎nd I hope for everybody to be able to have a church family.鈥�
As for his retirement, John says he will be focusing on his family and taking a break with wife Rachel.
鈥淪he has been so supportive,鈥� he said.
鈥淪he deserves a break; she has been busy as well in the church leading the music most Sundays.
鈥淲e are going to have one or two holidays to take a deep breath on life and reflect on what we have done.
鈥淎nd find each other again, I am very lucky to be married to someone who is so supportive.鈥�
John, however, has plans to still be around for his Thatcham community, adding: 鈥淚鈥檒l be an active, retired minister so I will be at local churches helping out and taking some services.鈥�
The very best of wishes for John鈥檚 busy retirement.
The 国产无码鈥檚 Ministries Team regularly holds Ministry Enquirers鈥� Events that are designed to help people think about God’s call to Worship Leading, Lay Preaching, Ministry with children and young people, the Ministry of Word and Sacraments or Church Related Community Work. If you鈥檇 like to know when the next event is, please email [email protected].
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