This Sunday, our diocese says goodbye to Bishop John Holbrook, who has served as the Bishop of Brixworth in our Diocese since 2011, as he retires. During his time in the diocese, he has overseen confirmations, clergy licensing, ordination discernment, and the development of curates. He also served as acting diocesan bishop during the vacancy. 

I am especially grateful to Bishop John for all the support he has given me in my calling to ordained ministry. Many of you will have your own stories of Bishop John. One way Bishop John has always inspired me is through his dedication to championing the next generation. I first met Bishop John as a young 21-year-old trying to figure out a call to ministry, while also trying to understand what it meant to be an Anglican. It would be easy to overlook someone so young, but Bishop John never did that. He listened, cared, and supported you with every ounce of attention, focus, and heart. I was not alone in this. During my time in the diocese, I have seen how Bishop has supported and encouraged young people of all backgrounds in their journey of faith and discipleship. Furthermore, if you were young in your faith, Bishop John always encouraged you with such gentleness and kindness.

Ultimately, what strikes me about Bishop John is the way he could see God working in people and places before they realise it. He always kept people central to the work of the gospel and the life of faith. I believe this is the greatest lesson I will take from him: keep people at the heart of what we do. As Christians, if we keep people at the heart of what we do, we will see God work greatly in the life of our church. Thank you for everything, Bishop John.

Let us pray for Bishop John as he enters retirement.