A joyous service was held at St Leonard’s Church in Sherfield-On-Loddon to celebrate with the Very Reverend John Morley as he retired after 57 years as a CofE priest, with heartfelt moments honouring John’s compassionate leadership and steadfast dedication.
The service had several highlights which signified John’s final service, with an exit of John walking down the aisle to “Bring Me Sunshine”!
John and his wife Kathie joined the congregation and some of their friends after the service for a party of recognition, giving people a chance to thank him for his devotion to the church and particularly his recent time at St Leonard’s in Sherfield on Loddon.
Parish member John Moule said, “John and his wife came to Sherfield five years ago but their tireless support and help in many initiatives have helped shape our church to the vibrant hub of the community that it is now. John has been a tower of strength as we have grown our church and his compassion and kindness has always been appreciated. Never one to take himself too seriously, he has a very dry sense of humour that always lightens any stressful moments.”
John was ordained at Michaelmas 1968. In 1978 during his Air Force years, he was detached to Belize in central America, conducting services in the bush, sometimes with ammo crates serving as an altar. He also served in RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey, RAF Gutersloh in Northern Germany, and a short detachment to the Ascension Island immediately after the Falklands war.
John left the RAF in 1993 and became team Rector of Wallingford in the Oxford Diocese. In 1999 he was appointed Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in Nicosia, Cyprus.
After his time in Cyprus, he returned to the UK as a vicar in Bedfordshire and retired from stipendiary office in 2008. He retained his PTO (permission to officiate) when he moved to Sherfield in May 2021 to be closer to family.
There will also be a pealing of the bells to recognise John’s retirement on the 17th May at St Leonard’s.
John Moule added, “We thank John and Kathie for their giving hearts and living the Holy Spirit to support St Leonard’s and all those that have the privilege to know them.”
