9:54am Wednesday 10th March 2010
By Rebecca Cain
A POPULAR pastor who has pioneered a youth training service for Lane End is retiring at the end of the month.
Pastor John Richards is retiring from the Elim Christian Centre, Lane End after more than 30 years of service to the church and to the community.
In recent years he set up the Oasis Centre which gives unemployed young people the chance to get back into work through practical training and mentoring.
In the Elim group pastors retire at 65 but can ask to stay on for five years which Mr Richards did but as he reaches 70 next month he said it is time for him to go.
He said: “There are a lot of young people at the church and I think now they need somebody younger.”
In 1972 Mr Richards, who grew up in Cornwall, became a Christian and in 1980 became the pastor for the Elim Christian centre.
He said: “I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I have loved serving God in this community.”
He said he will continue to serve the church and the community and head the Oasis project over the next 18 months.
Mr Richards and his wife, Marion, live on the estate in Lane End.
Roy Pitcher and Keith Ingram are also retiring as officers of the church after 40 years and 50 years service.
The church will be celebrating their commitment and achievements at a celebration meeting on Sunday March 28 at 4pm. All are welcome to attend.
The new minister Pastor Nick Whittome who is currently an assistant pastor at the Elim church in Letchworth will start on April 1, with an induction service on Saturday April 10 at 6pm.
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