A minister who spent 30 years working in civil and structural engineering before answering the call is retiring after 13 years of service.
The Revd John Lee, Minister of Thatcham URC, a father of two and grandfather of four, explains his ministerial journey and shares what some friends and colleagues said when he told them about his then new adventure.
“I can remember emailing 70 different people in my contacts from my career,” John said.
“I got a range of replies. A lot of them wishing me well. Some couldn’t understand it and wished me well in my new hobby. Some said they could see that as a next step they could see it in me which was really nice and quite affirming.”
John, who is 70, said his “calling” was quite subtle and not “God pointing a big finger at him.
“It doesn’t work that way,” he continued. “You get a sense of change, a sense of there is more to do in life that is more worthwhile.
“You feel a calling, you go to investigate and it all falls into place.”
John, a non-stipendiary minister, has enjoyed his ministerial journey.
He worked through the pandemic and has seen many people through some difficult, personal situations.
“Some families have lost loved ones young or old,” he continued. “It has been hard because some people have gone through terrible things. But you walk with them it.”
The minister praises the support of his church who he feels is like an extended family.
“I have always preached the value of a church family,” adds John. “And I hope for everybody to be able to have a church family.”
As for his retirement, John says he will be focusing on his family and taking a break with wife Rachel.
“She has been so supportive,” he said.
“She deserves a break; she has been busy as well in the church leading the music most Sundays.
“We are going to have one or two holidays to take a deep breath on life and reflect on what we have done.
“And find each other again, I am very lucky to be married to someone who is so supportive.”
John, however, has plans to still be around for his Thatcham community, adding: “I’ll be an active, retired minister so I will be at local churches helping out and taking some services.”
The very best of wishes for John’s busy retirement.
The URC’s Ministries Team regularly holds Ministry Enquirers’ Events that are designed to help people think about God’s call to Worship Leading, Lay Preaching, Ministry with children and young people, the Ministry of Word and Sacraments or Church Related Community Work. If you’d like to know when the next event is, please email [email protected].
Image: Newbury Today.