While we were away, 'the announcement' was made: we will be leaving Liverpool at the beginning of May for a new post in Cockermouth. I will be Team Rector of the Cockermouth Area Team, consisting of 4 churches: 2 in the town, and 2 in outlying villages. (You can check it out at www.cockermouthareachurches.org.uk.) This has come completely out of the blue, and yet seems to connect in many ways with what has gone before. For one thing (and not a lot of people know this!), I think I am a country boy at heart. I was brought up the son of a vicar in rural Hertfordshire, where I lived for most of my childhood. When we first came to Liverpool in 1975, neither Les nor I thought it would be for more than the 3 years of a first curacy! I have often thought I might serve in a rural parish, but it has just never happened - even though I have applied. It seems that every time we thought of moving, God said 'Stay in the city'. So we have.
But I love to be in the country, especially the hills and lakes of Cumbria. Seven years ago, we bought a small apartment in the less touristy area of Dalton, not far from Barrow, south of the Lakes. We have loved to go there for occasional breaks, and enjoyed exploring the whole area around the Furness peninsula. We had wondered about the possibility of eventually retiring to Cumbria (diocese of Carlisle) but more recently we had been thinking it would be Liverpool, mainly because all our family are here now. My sabbatical leave had a two-fold purpose:
- to draw breath, listen to God, and consider what my priorities should be here in my remaining years before retirement
- to begin to prepare for retirement (when & where?), and do some more work on coaching and mentoring, as a ministry I might offer when the time comes.
We had been back from Antigua less than a week when I was texted a message: would I like to consider this post in Cockermouth? The person spec seemed to fit me. I laughed! Moving now was not remotely in my thoughts, but it seemed as if God might have other ideas. So, early in December, Les and I travelled to our flat, and from there spent a full 12-hour day in Cockermouth. We visited all 4 churches, talked with countless people (including an extremely helpful and supportive Archdeacon and Team Vicar), and arrived back in Dalton buzzing. Would I apply? Yes I would - so I filled in the requisite form, nominated 3 referees (thank you - you know who you are!) and waited. Just over 2 weeks ago,we were back in Cumbria, this time for interview. First, there was a presentation to an invited audience of 70 people, representing the 4 churches in the Team, other denominations and the local communities. This was followed by a Q&A and social time. The following morning, there was an interview by a panel of 12 and subsequently I was offered the post.
It was a very good process of discernment, I thought. I'm not just saying that because I got the job! It enabled a large number of people to be part of it, so I can go not only sensing that I am called, but knowing that others think so too. The amazing thing is that, as far as I know, though a large number of people met me, knew my name etc, there doesn't seem to have been any breach of confidentiality. So huge thanks to all concerned. And thanks especially from both Les and me to all those we've met so far who gave us such a warm welcome and seemed so eager to support us on this journey.
Now the news is out, the reality is setting in. Packing up after 20 years, down-sizing in the process! It will be such a wrench leaving behind family, friends, and a city we love. There have been many warm messages of support, encouragement, and appreciation of our time here. So thank you if you are one of those. We won't be that far away of course, and I'm sure we will return often. And - who knows? - maybe we will retire here after all. But it looks as if that could be 5 years away now - if all goes well! Meanwhile, I might keep chickens, if I can first persuade Les!
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