On 18 June we were delighted to welcome all our retired clergy, clergy widows and widowers to their annual service in Peterborough Cathedral. The service provides a wonderful opportunity to share the Eucharist, meet up with friends and celebrate the work of our retired clergy in their various forms of ministry.
Bishop John presided, whilst our Chaplains to Retired Clergy; the Revd John Westwood, the Revd George Rogers and the Venerable David Painter, led the prayers and readings.
Bishop Debbie preached on the Gospel reading from John 1 v43 reflecting on Philip's invitation to Nathanael to 'come and see'. Bishop Debbie asked, ‘what barriers do we put up ourselves when it comes to encountering Jesus? What prevents us from accepting this invitation? ‘What barriers do we need to remove to see more of who Jesus is?
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Bishop Debbie discussed how our role as the church is to act as bridge for those people looking to encounter Jesus for the first time, to be like Philip and invite others to ‘come and see’. Bishop Debbie also commended all the wonderful work that our retired clergy continue to do in all areas of ministry and how immensely grateful we are for their continued service.
Afterwards there was an invitation for lunch in the Bishop’s Gardens and the opportunity to catch up with friends.
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When the Revd Elizabeth Cowley retired, she was keen to take six months to step back and immerse herself fully as a member of the congregation, to see church life from a new angle and attend services with members of her family. It didn’t take long however for her to become more involved and take on PTO roles in the Diocese of Peterborough and the Diocese of Coventry, which have seen her work in churches both in rural and inner-city locations, through several interregnums and the difficult years of Covid.
Elizabeth also reflected on how she has seen the number of younger people in congregations falling and the importance of encouraging younger communities in the church, echoing Bishop Debbie’s sermon of inviting young people to ‘come and see’ and become involved in church life. ‘You have to be able to stand back, to find your place and then be as supportive as possible’.
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The Venerable John Ellis retired as the Chaplain in Chief and Archdeacon of the Royal Air Force almost 2 years ago. ‘Retirement allowed me reevaluate ministry, it grounded me and allowed me to re-think my calling. It allowed me to ask, where do you want me now God?’ It was not long before these questions were answered and John now sees new ministry pathways opening up with exciting opportunities, including becoming local Royal British Legion Chaplain and taking on more services when required.
t was a joy to share worship and fellowship with all our retired clergy, widows and widowers. We thank them for all the work they continue to do to serve the parishes and communities of the Diocese.