Doreen has been with us at Hope for five years now, but she has been in ministry for thirty eight! Ministers regularly move in the the Methodist Church as intinerency is an important part of our church, that allows for fresh ideas and perspectives. However, Doreen will not only be leaving us but will be retiring as well, and settling down in her home county of Yorkshire.
Here are her thoughts as she moves on:
For Methodists, August is always a moving-on month. Traditionally it is the month when ordained ministers change homes and churches as they take up new appointments. But culturally, late summer months have always been times for moving on. Children change classes at school or move from one school to another. It is a time for going to college or university from education or into the full-time work force.
And for Hope it is a special moving time. Yes, some of our young folk will move classes or schools and we will pray for them as they move on. But also it is a time to change minister and for a while to move temporarily into a new building.
Moving on is always a time to give thanks for what has been and to look forward to what is to come. I know that God travels with us and has a renewed mission and calling for Hope Methodist Community. And as I move into retirement (or what in Methodism is called “sitting down”) I know that God has something new for me. I give thanks for the ministry I have shared with so many people around the country over the years and for the opportunities which God has opened up for us here as we have journeyed together in this circuit. Now I look forward to getting to know the people I will travel on with in my new home town and to see them looking for God to take them into their new spheres of mission.
Travel well in the future and make sure you travel with God and not be diverted by forceful earthly voices or selfish preferences. May God bless us all as we venture on in an endeavour to build communities of love and care for all.
Goodbye and thank you.
Doreen C Hare
Doreen, you will be very much missed. We are grateful for everything that you've done while you've been with us and we wish you a restful and fulfilling retirement.