RETIREMENT
     


 

 

 

  

As lots of you will know by now - I shall be retiring at the end of the year after 32 years here as your Vicar. My final Sunday will be December 28th 2008.

The last Vicar to stay at St. Ann's anywhere near that length of time was The Reverend Canon James D. Lewis who came in 1871 and stayed 29 years! I bet no one can remember that James? I note there have only been two Vicars at St. Ann's called James. I note also the D in Canon Lewis' initials stand for Dawson. Nice one Barry! Do you think we could do a turn?

I am 67 years of age and feel that having been on my own in the ministry for the past 20 years nearly - the time has come for me to hand over. But this is the head ruling the heart! Because I have been so happy at St. Ann with Emmanuel and have always said I love the people. I could not have fulfilled my ministry without the love and support of those who have been with me and loyal to the end. For example:

Those who have shared in the Sunday worship and music of our Church. You know how I love Church and beautiful choral music and a good sing. You see worship is so important to me because it's the top priority of heaven.

Those who have faithfully supported the fellowship of the Church at midweek meetings and helping with all the social events. From day one in this Church we gave it just the one title - commitment. And that, you will only hear said in heaven: Well done thou good and faithful servant.

Those who have found a personal faith that works - rather than just be words and a lot of talk. I believe faith is walking and talking and involves a lot of hard work.

And on a personal note - where would I have been without those dear friends who have shown so much love and care and kindness. There is so much in the Bible about friends. Good and Bad. It was a so called friend who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. In today's price that amounts to something between £1.50 and £15
Remember, Jesus waited until Judas had gone before He said to the eleven disciples left - no longer servants, you are my friends.
Remember what the writer to the Hebrews calls those who open their hearts and homes to people - angels. You can't get higher than that for recommendation

In my ministry I have been blessed by the Psalms of David and the Proverbs of Solomon. It is like our slogans, or wayside pulpits and posters. They get the truth over in a pithy way, in as few words as possible. Right from College I learned the three-point technique.
1. Stand up! 2. Speak up! And 3. Shut up!
A proverb that has helped me over the years is Proverbs 18:24
A friend sticks closer than a brother. In other words true friendship is sometimes better than family ties. If the hat fits wear it! Get wise to it!

I have also found great help in my teaching and preaching ministry from the Parables of Jesus. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. They are like our visual aids. People like to hear a good story or illustration. Even a joke! When you read the parables alongside visiting Israel, you begin to understand just what a wonderful sense of humour Jesus had. By the way, my apologies for the bad jokes that occasionally slip in and out! But I hope I have tried to explain the faith as best I know how.

But friends and angels I have seen God work miracles among His People and for that I give Him all the glory and praise. Let's look to God to lead us therefore onwards and upwards. Things will be different for you as for me. I am not going to find retirement easy. I like to be on the go - always active. Retirement is the unknown for me - a daunting prospect. But I hope to use it as recreation and as a challenge for the future.


The Reverend Jim Neill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

THANKS A LOT....

To Ron and Sue Barkes for the hours and hours they put in with Pete and Barbara Chilvers on tidying up the Churchyard. Especially by the side fence and gravelling all the paths around the side and rear of the Church.

To the wonderful response to the Harvest Auction which raised £360 towards our Missionary Societies. And contributors to the Thanksgiving Fund.

To those who sponsored the Choir Hymn sing-along - 58 hymns was it in 3 hours. They are also going to be the Choir at the Annual Service for Bereaved at Wilford Hill.

To all who have month after month delivered the Church Parish Magazine. To
Pete Moss for his work as Parish Secretary who took over from Rose Hawley.
To all those who have advertised in Magazine and Diary. To Jennie Lawson
and Aisleigh Webb who are taking on as co-editors - the work of an interim
Magazine/Newspaper in 2009

To Pete and Barbara Chilvers who for the past 13 years have been Church Caretakers, They will be retiring at the end of the year.

To the Churchwardens Densel Davy and Maisie Harris and PCC for the extra meetings and work involved in preparing for the Interregnum. Their work is not yet done!

To all who have helped lead the Service and run Family Worship. The Musical Director and Organists. The Choir Members. The Staff and Readers and those who have read and prayed. And the faithful ones in the Congregation and at midweek meetings week after week.

To the Priory Clinic Staff for the privilege of being allowed to be a kind of Honorary Chaplain and visitor. To the Staff and Governors of Huntingdon Primary and Nursery School for having me as a Governor for so long without being expelled! And last but not least to all the professionals out there who have supported me in my ministry over the years. I pay particular tribute to the Staff at A.W.Lymn who over the years I have found to be not just working colleagues but real friends. I owe so much to those who have been a true friend and treated me as family. God bless you all and thanks a lot.