Dear friends,

It has been an absolute privilege and joy to serve as Vicar of Alrewas, Fradley and Wychnor churches and our village communities for more than 22 years, and I wanted you all to know that at today’s services in our churches, I shared our hopes and plans for my forthcoming retirement….don’t worry, we’re not rushing away! Next year marks the 40th anniversary of my ordination and full-time service in Christian Ministry, and over those four decades I’ve had the immense joy of serving churches initially in the USA, and for the past 33 years in England in the Diocese of Lichfield; next year Sally and I will also celebrate 44 years of marriage, all of which has been devoted to service together in public ministry, and we feel it will be the right time to conclude formal full-time stipendiary ministry and begin the next chapter of our lives together!

It is our plan to serve here for a further 12 months, affording us the joy of sharing in all the key Christian festivals as well as the many wonderful village events which will be taking place, giving us time to sort out provision for our retirement housing (which sadly cannot be in the parish we’ve just been serving, due to professional protocols), and time to share special moments with all of you dear friends who have meant so very much to us during our time here! We anticipate that Sunday 30th September 2024 will be our final day of official duties and services, and thought it would be helpful to share this with you all at this point, as we look forward to making the most of the next 12 months with you!

With our immense gratitude and appreciation for your understanding, support and friendship, and with our love and prayers –

Vicar John”