Here’s the link to our September 2025 magazine. Paper copies are available in our two churches from this weekend.
In this edition we have another favourite psalm. This time it’s Psalm 100 on which the hymn ‘All people that on earth do dwell’ is based. We also have a preview of our upcoming study of the Nicene Creed, to mark 1700 years of its existence. In addition, we have all the usual round-ups from our various groups and organisations together with news about upcoming events. These include The Eden Singers, who will be with us on 13th September, and the Mission Community Quiz Night on the 19th September. Tickets for both are still available.
The September 2025 magazine also has this letter from Ian…
Is your work finished?
As most of you will know, a couple of months ago I retired (early!) from my job in the graphics industry. I imagined life shifting into a gentler pace. I’d get up a bit later, walk the dog more, watch a bit of day-time telly, have a snooze after lunch and slowly make my way through June’s very long list of things to do. But within weeks of stepping away from full-time work, I found myself facing an unexpected question: What if your work isn’t finished?
As a Reader (Licensed Lay Minister), there is always plenty to be involved with in and around the church and the Diocese, particularly in the last two or three years. And over time, a few people, including some of you, have occasionally teased/challenged: “Ever thought about being ordained?” I always side-stepped it. That was for those who were more certain – and younger.
But in the short time since retiring, there has been a little space. Space where days weren’t dictated by back-to-back meetings, deadlines, and reports. In that relative quiet, I began to sense God’s voice more clearly. The idea of ordination—once dismissed—now seemed impossible to ignore. The question became more why not rather than why.
Of course there’s some very good reasons why not. I’m too old. I think I’ve earned some rest and I’ve no particular desire to go “back to college.” But God, it turns out, is persistent. The recent parable of the rich man with the barns finally did it for me. One of the sermons that day asked something along the lines of: ‘What have you done with your life? What have you done with what you’ve been given?’
So, I spoke to the Director of Vocations. Who wrote to the bishop. Who said ‘yes’. And I asked both of our PCCs for their blessing. And they said ‘yes’ too.
Discernment
The Church of England’s discernment process is both rigorous and pastoral. At the time of writing most of it is still to come. It will mean interviews and panels, reflection days, and prayer – as well as the academic study.
If all goes to plan, then I’ll be ordained at 63 and priested at 64. I’m rather hoping that, instead of being beyond my sell-by date, that my age will be a gift and not a hindrance. Years of work have taught me to listen, to navigate conflict, to understand the pressures of daily life. I’ve sat with colleagues in times of loss, celebrated their successes, and learned to find calm in the midst of chaos. Ministry needs all those skills.
This time last year it was crystal-ball time, preparing yet another annual budget for work. This year I’ll be wrestling with theology textbooks. I’m sure there will be challenges. Not least, still trying to make my way through June’s list…
Still small voice – or a loud shouting one?
But retirement doesn’t feel like winding down—it’s given space for commission. As Psalm 92 says: “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” I know early 60s doesn’t seem very old to some/most of you, but if I’d waited another couple of years, then it would have been too late, and I wouldn’t have been accepted.
I’m under no illusion that this new chapter will be easy. But I know it will be rich—with learning, with service, and with the privilege of walking alongside people in the name of Christ. If you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be training for the priesthood in my 60s, I would have laughed it off. Now, it feels like the right thing to do.
My story isn’t about a career change. It’s about a calling. A calling that waited patiently until I had enough quiet to hear that still small voice saying my name. Or perhaps it was a loud shouting voice that I’d been ignoring! Or maybe it was June getting fed up telling the various voices that I was out at the moment, but could she take a message…
Anyway, enough about me. How about you? What are you called to do? Ian
[Thanks to Rowan Freeman on Unsplash for the cover photo.]