Staff Updates: Retirement News!

The PCC and Staff Team have been informed earlier this week that our Operations Manager Steve Foster will be retiring from his post in or around April / May next year. It will be hard to imagine life at St John’s without Steve at the very centre of things, and we will all be so sad to see him go, but he is sure that this is the right thing to do. He writes: ‘After almost 18 years it seems a strange thing to be doing, but I have been in conversation with Leonard since before Christmas and have a definite peace that this is the right time.  I am on some extended leave just now and have sensed God saying that this last year at St John’s will be preparation time for the next part of the adventure (as well as making sure all is in good order!).’ Catriona will be continuing as our Pastor for Older People, and so the good news is that they will be staying in Birmingham.

Our Vicar Leonard Browne writes: ‘It is impossible to overstate the amazing servant- hearted leadership that Steve has provided over these last 18 years. His ability to see the big picture of what God is calling us to be and do, along with an eye for detail that gets so many important things sorted, is incredible, as is his warmth, help and friendliness to all around him. We will miss him terribly, and so will enjoy these last months while he is still in post, very much indeed.’

 There will be many opportunities nearer to next April / May for us to show our appreciation for Steve – for who he is, and what he means to all of us  – and of course for all that he has contributed to the life of St John’s over the last 18 years; but for now we want to say thank you to Steve – and to the Lord – for his ministry among us at St John’s. Please do be praying for Steve in the coming months, and for the PCC as it begins the process of finding our next Operations Manager.