 THE whole Diocese was represented on a stunning summer’s evening in Sheffield Cathedral to thank God for the ministry thus far of Bishop Jack.
Over a thousand people were able to take part both in the Cathedral itself and in the nearby Cutler’s Hall, where the service was relayed by video link.
Bishop Jack has chosen 9th June as the Feast Day of St.Columba for his farewell as it was the 40th anniversary of his ordination: “I really wanted to thank God for the 40 years of ordained ministry I have enjoyed as priest and bishop,”
St.Columba, one of the foremost saints of the Celtic era, inspired priests and monks in the task of evangelism and his northern roots had clearly inspired “Jack Our Bishop”.
The Bishop informally welcomed everyone to the Service and began the evening by paying a moving tribute to the enormous contribution made by his wife Judith. The Cathedral responded with a prolonged round of applause.
In his sermon, the Bishop reminded the congregation of the importance of ministry for mission and offered thanks to God for the opportunities which the Gospel provided.
There were processions, great hymns, challenging readings and lots of symbolism throughout the liturgy.
The Archdeacons led the congregations in prayers and commended their Bishop for his ministry amongst them as well as praying for his future,
In a moving part of the evening, Bishop Jack laid down his pastoral staff as a symbolic gesture to show that he would be ultimately handing on pastoral care of the Diocese of Sheffield to a new Bishop.
The Bishop of Doncaster, Cyril Ashton, who will look after episcopal matters until a new Bishop of Sheffield is enthroned, told the congregation: “Today is a time for Bishop Jack, and us, to look back with thanksgiving and forward with anticipation; a time for joy, and a time for sadness. Above all it is a time to give thanks and praise to Almighty God for what Bishop Jack has given in our lives together.”
Afterwards a presentation was made by Bishop Cyril to Bishop Jack and his wife, Judith, and good wishes were expressed for their retirement and future ministry.
Malcolm Fair, Diocesan Secretary, said it had been a team effort and that he was grateful to everyone involved for making it such a memorable evening.
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Plans for the 2008 Lambeth Conference are now well underway as bishops from all over the Anglican Communion prepare to come to the UK this summer at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop Cyril will be representing this Diocese. Please pray for him during this time of preparation. More information is available at 
