Rev'd Jonathan Gichaara 'Sits Down'

Rev'd Jonathan Gichaara 'Sits down'

For Methodist presbyters, the term for retiring is 'to sit down'. Rev Jonathan will be sitting down from the end of August. Rev Jonathan and his family came to the UK from Kenya and time spent in the USA, 21 years ago and 8 months. They came to the Doncaster Methodist Circuit in 2019 when Rev Jonathan became the Minister for Cantley Methodist Church and St Andrew's Methodist Church. Then Covid struck!

The world and the Circuit were a very different place following Covid, and the Circuit had a change around – Rev Jonathan then became Minister for the North East side of Doncaster looking after 5 churches (in no particular order) – Barnby Dun, Dunsville, Hatfield Woodhouse, Stainforth and Thorne.

Rev Jonathan took his last service at Thorne Methodist Church on Sunday 18th August which was well attended by people from many Circuit churches and Rev Jonathan's family. In his address he spoke about Journey, Food and Friendship and how these three things featured in the life of Jesus throughout the bible, how they featured in Rev Jonathan's life throughout his career and how they can feature in our own lives. Following the service there was a faith lunch in the hall to celebrate.

In early August, the Circuit Leadership Team took Rev Jonathan and Elizabeth for a 'sitting down' sit down meal which was enjoyed by everyone. Rev Jonathan even got a pudding which said "Happy Retirement" on it courtesy of the kitchen team.
Barnby Dun Methodist Churches also held a special service for Rev Jonathan as a farewell.

From the Circuit – Thank You Rev Jonathan – Au revoir and God Bless!
We look forward to seeing you in 2025!