As I have sat and reflected, there is one word that keeps popping up, and that is change. September sees the change from metrological summer to metrological autumn. But we do not need to be told this, as we can usually spot this from the changes to our environment with the leaves on the trees starting to change colour. The leaves of our oak tree have started that process already. Also, the nights draw in and it gets darker earlier. But change is more than this, it is said that change can be for the better or indeed for the worse. Most of the news reports show change of one sort or another, but mostly for the worse. Our newspapers and media news show us dramatically the change that people throughout the world are having to cope with and first up it is coping with the change brought about by conflict and war, with Ukraine and Gaza usually at the forefront. The lives of so many have been changed through the destruction of their homes, with some being displaced time and time again. They also have to face change because of the loss, or injury to loved ones and of course in Gaza, change because of the lack of basic commodities such as food and shelter. But there are still other places where conflict and war are happening but these do not hit the headlines as much. Then change is brought about due to nature and how some interact with it, change and suffering because of wild fires in America and southern Europe. People are faced with change due to health issues and many more things in this country too. I preached recently on the text of Luke 12.32-40, where we are told to build up treasure in heaven, as where our treasure is then that is where our hearts will be. The distractions of the 21st century will abundantly take our mind away from our vocation to follow God’s will. But in essence the rest of the passage is about readiness, being ready for when God calls us to do his work. Ready to help people and this will usually be when they face change due to one thing or another. We can’t be fully prepared for this as we will never know what the various situations we are called into will entail, but we need to be ready all the same.Finally, the people of the Benefice face change as the next round of advertising for a new Rector is now live. We hope and pray that we are successful and find a new Rector, but we do not know what changes this may bring about for our parishes, churches and indeed people. We hope and pray that in this instance it will be a positive change allowing us to grow in faith and strength to do God’s calling and minister to one another’s needs and the needs of the world. John Underhill
“I hear you’re retiring.” This remark has been made by countless people in recent weeks. And yes, in July I retire from my role as Assistant Minister of the Benefice of Adbaston, High Offley, Knightley, Norbury, Woodseaves, Gnosall and Moreton. Why? Simply because I have passed the age at which clergy may continue in office in the Church of England. It will be my second retirement in recent years. The first was when I retired as a chaplain in health and social care. For almost 20 years I had the privilege of offering support to older people, including many with dementia or severe and enduring mental health conditions. In that time, I met some amazing people and learned a great deal about living well with dementia. Retirement from the Benefice means that I shall hang up my clerical robes and put away my clerical collars for a few months. Later in the year I may be given ‘permission to officiate’ and be able to take a limited number of services. I have no plans, though, to move from the house in Gnosall we bought in 2018 after my husband’s retirement. For some, retirement is an exciting prospect – a season of opportunity and possibility. But it can also be daunting and disorientating. Now that I’m retired, who am I? Who might I become? And what will I do? Family and friends who are long-retired leave me in no doubt that retirement marks a significant transition in life. We may face the loss of a role we’ve had for all or most of our working life and the status it brought. With work no longer providing a place to meet people, we may have to find new ways of making meaningful social connections. Retirement presents the challenge of adjusting to a fixed income. We need to be realistic about our ability to maintain our homes and gardens as we’ve done in the past. If health becomes an issue we may face tough decisions about where we live. Navigating the journey of retirement will take me time, especially as activities that give me a sense of purpose are closely linked to the church. Like all retirees I shall need to find a new rhythm of daily life. Yet I’m grateful that I won’t, like many clergy, be moving from church accommodation to a home of my own in a new area. Retirement is not simply stopping work; it is the beginning of a phase where we rethink how we spend our time. We may hope to reconnect with passions and interests that have taken a backseat during recent years. Years ago, I fancied the idea of learning Welsh in retirement. I also thought I might take up the organ again. Now, though, my goals are more modest: to return to a choir, take regular exercise and spend time with family and friends. I firmly believe that retirement does not mean the end of significance and meaning for our lives. Our role may change but we still have responsibilities and opportunities to serve. Whatever our age and stage in life, we are held in God’s love. Moreover, God has plans and purposes for us. So with the writer of Psalm 71 we can trust our future to God’s care. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come. Your power and your righteousness, O God, reach the high heavens. Revd Cathy Dakin
We are a rural benefice (known as the Staffordshire Border Group of Churches), west of Stafford, made up of 6 churches in 5 parishes who enjoy working and worshipping together. We wish to appoint a Rector who understands the challenges of rural ministry and who has an imaginative approach to mission. Our ministry team is very supportive and although our congregations are small they are very faithful and committed.We need a leader who:Has the vision to encourage and enable us within the limits of our resources.Can help us reach out to a wider age range to grow our churches.Can be an active presence in our communities and take advantage of the many active groups within our villages.Can enable creative ways for people to experience church.Is this you?Enquiries: please contact the Bishop of Stafford’s Office: gemma.trueman@lichfield.anglican.orgAll applicants should normally have 3 years experience in the Church of England or another Anglican church in the British Isles.Closing date: 29 May 2025Interviews: 17 June 2025To apply, please visit: https://lichfield.anglican.org/our-churches/vacancies/rector-staffordshire-border-group.phpAll applicants should normally have 3 years experience in the Church of England or another Anglican church in the British Isles.
As we enter December, we enter the season of Advent which leads us to Christmas. This is followed in the New Year by the season of Epiphany. This time of year can be very busy. For many it brings excitement and joy, while for others it can give rise to stress and heartache. All too often the search for the ideal or perfect gift for loved ones along with the planning of special celebrations and meals can distract us from the true focus of Christmas, which is to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. It is in celebration of this greatest of gifts that we exchange gifts on Christmas Day. Some countries, though, celebrate and exchange gifts 12 days later on Epiphany, remembering the visit of the wise men to Jesus bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This year my first sighting of Christmas cards, gifts and wrapping paper came in July. At one time the various seasons would be distinct and Christmas goods would not appear in the shops until bonfire night and fireworks were finished. It seems now that commercial pressures distract us from remembering what Advent and Christmas are about. Please do not think I have become a grumpy old man in my retirement! I love Christmas and all that comes with it, especially the celebrations and the enjoyment of both giving and receiving gifts. Christmas is a time when we are to show each other good will and share love, happiness and joy and when we can reach out to those who are struggling to hold onto hope. in his novel "The Keys of the Kingdom" A. J. Cronin tells the story of a compassionate and humble priest who is sent to China to maintain a mission. He comes face to face with desperate poverty, civil war, plague and is met with hostility from his superiors. At one point the writer describes hell as “that state where one has ceased to hope”. Day after day in the news we are confronted with the stories of people living in war zones such as the Gaza strip, Lebanon and Ukraine. Situations where children and families are caught up in conflict and violence, where they have lost all hope and must feel that they are in hell on earth. Nearer to home people may be struggling to hold onto hope as a result of homelessness or poverty, cruelty or neglect, constant pain of mind or body. As we enter the darkest days of the year the Church keeps Advent, a time of hope and joyful expectation. As we journey through the days of Advent, we’re invited to watch and wait for the promise of light and hope, bringing to God our longing for peace and justice throughout the world. Recognising our failings let us ask God to change us and help us to reach out to touch others with his love. At Christmas may we celebrate with joy the time when Christ entered our world as our Saviour and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, we give thanks for the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift that we are loved, are never alone and can have hope for the future. I hope that you will have a good time this Christmas as we remember the coming of the Christ child. We would be delighted to see you at one of the Christmas services. John Underhill
