The Bishop of Blackburn has accepted my formal resignation from the office of Incumbent of the United Benefice of St John’s, Higham and St Anne’s, Fence, and also from the office of Area Dean of Pendle. I approach my 70th birthday, the time has come for me to step down from stipendiary ministry and retire. My final Sunday leading services in the benefice will be Sunday 1st November, and my official retirement will take effect on Tuesday 3rd November. Serving the communities of Higham and Fence has been a profound privilege and an immense joy. I am deeply grateful for your prayers, fellowship, and unwavering support over the years. Together, we have shared in the joys and challenges of parish life, and I will miss you all greatly. Whilst this marks the end of my time as your Vicar, it is not the end of my ministry. In retirement, I hope to continue serving the wider diocese through the Bishop’s permission to officiate (PTO) and interim ministry, helping other parishes navigate seasons of vacancy and change. Our churchwardens will work closely with the Archdeacon of Blackburn and the leadership team of the Pendle Deanery to prepare for the upcoming interregnum. I have every confidence that they will guide both St John’s and St Anne’s smoothly into this next chapter. Please pray for the churchwardens and the Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) in the coming weeks, and rest assured that you will all remain closely in my prayers as we prepare for this transition. With every blessing, Lesley x
A serious healthcare crisis is emerging in Kajokeji County. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), currently the main healthcare provider for the region, will withdraw all services by the end of 2026. Support to local healthcare centres such as Liwolo will end by September, with hospital services ceasing by December. Without this support, many communities will be left without accessible medical care. The nearest healthcare facilities are several hours away and remain out of reach for many families due to distance and cost. This will impact pregnant mothers, sick children, and vulnerable elderly people — leading to preventable suffering and loss of life. A Message from Bishop Joseph Warm greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We are deeply grateful for the continued love, friendship and partnership of the Diocese of Blackburn. Your commitment, even amidst many challenges, is a powerful testimony of Christian compassion and unity in the Gospel. We give thanks that this year’s Harvest Appeal may support the Diocese of Liwolo. We pray that God will continue to strengthen the bond between our dioceses for the blessing of our people and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom. Our response: In response to this urgent need, our diocese is seeking to support the Jehovah Rapha Healthcare Centre in Liwolo. This is a simple but life-saving intervention that will ensure continued local access to essential healthcare. · Renovation and painting of the healthcare facility · Provision of essential medicines and medical supplies · Solar lighting and clean water for safe night deliveries · Support for frontline staff including: o Clinical officer o Nurse o Laboratory technician o Midwife o Watchman and cleaner Ways to donate to the Harvest Appeal: · You can donate online using a credit card by clicking here where you can also Gift Aid your donation. · You can donate by cheque, payable to 'Blackburn Diocesan Board of Finance Limited (Diocese Harvest Appeal)' and send to Blackburn Diocesan Board of Finance, Diocesan Office, Clayton House, Walker Office Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE · If you wish to make a bank transfer, please email dbfaccounts@blackburn.anglican.org and ask for the bank details, giving your name, school/parish and parish role.
