Robert Higham has been our Diocesan Secretary since
January 1999 and will be retiring in mid-November.
Robert said: “It’s been good to be a member of the
Bishop’s staff and lead the team at the Diocesan
Office, working with them to support the mission and
ministry of clergy and parish officers throughout the
diocese. An underlying theme has been the need for
the Church to proclaim afresh to each generation the
good news about Jesus Christ. So, please join me in
giving thanks to God for the way our Kingdom People
vision has been developed and widely owned throughout the diocese and that in that
context we have secured national funding to invest in the mission work now under way
in the Calling Young Disciples and Resourcing Churches projects.”
“One of the joys of the job has been to see a bigger picture of the Church, including
contact with our diocesan links in Magdeburg, Morogoro and Peru. When we might
anxiously reflect on the tight fnancial resources of our parish and diocesan budgets,
it was a reality check to hear a Peruvian vicar talk about trusting in God’s faithfulness
for resources and seeing the Church growing, despite its poverty. Their vibrancy of faith
in Jesus Christ and love of sharing that good news is a humbling encouragement as to
how we see our plans – including for ‘retirement’!”
Robert asks for prayer:
• That he will be open to God’s plans for what’s next, including ongoing ministry as
a Reader.
• For a really good handover to his successor, John Preston, starting in late October.
Upton Deanery – Rural Dean: Chris Moss; Lay Chair: Maria Toman
The Anglican Church of Southern Africa: Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
Diocese of Espoo (Finland): Bishop Tapio Luoma
Diocese of Edinburgh (Scotland): Bishop John Armes
