Photo: Andy and Margaret Wooding Jones are presented with a painting of the grounds of Malling Abbey.
On Saturday 14 September, the Diocesan-family bid a fond farewell to Archdeacon Andy Wooding Jones and his wife, Margaret, as Andy formerly stepped down from his role as Archdeacon of Rochester.
People from across the Diocese came to Rochester Cathedral to give thanks for the ministry and friendship of both Andy and Margaret, as they prepare to move to Sheffield, where they ministered previously and where their daughter and her family live.
In January, Andy will take up a post with CPAS as part-time Patronage Development Officer, as the organisation develops its ministry around patronage and supporting of clergy and parishes.
Photo: In a symbolic and poignant moment during the service, Dean Philip Hesketh helped Andy remove his Archdeacon’s cope and laid it on the altar.
During the service, Abbess Anne Clarke OSB, from Malling Abbey gave the sermon.
The Abbey has held a special place in Andy’s ministry in the Diocese, through his support of the St Benedict’s Centre at West Malling, and being a regular celebrant for the sisters.
Abbess Anne prayed that, as Andy moved on from the Diocese, his path would, ‘overflow with sweetness and light’, enabling him to ‘run the path in the way that God is calling you to do’.
Bishop Jonathan then gave thanks to Andy and Margaret for all they had given to the Diocese, and presented them with flowers and gifts, including a painting of the labyrinth and orchard at Malling Abbey, as a sign of the gratitude of all within the diocese.
He then prayed for Andy and Margaret, asking God to guide them in their footsteps and to sanctify them in their continued pilgrimage of life.
Please pray for Andy and Margaret as they start this new chapter in their life and ministry together.