Last services have been attended, beer wine and food consumed, gifts given... and finally we are bidding +Steve, Lorraine and Marley farewell on 23 May after Pentecost Sunday.

With this in mind, we asked Bishop Steve for a final brief reflection around Pentecost - Te Rā o te Petekoha, a day where the church celebrated not only its birthday but a huge change that sent it on a new trajectory. It's a great reminder that although change is hard, there is an excitement and invigoration around it, as well as an opportunity to go where we have never gone before.  The Spirit (in the words of a song from the Iona Community) is definitely the enemy of apathy...

Link to Video

In the meantime, there have been a number of opportunities to say goodbye. Over the last month +Steve has formally - and informally - caught up with small groups and large congregations for a final time.

It was special to be able to attend the 150th Celebrations of the Port Chalmers Parish at Holy Trinity on 28th April. On the 1st of May it was the mid-week service at St Luke's Taieri with St Matthews Dunedin the following Sunday (5 May).

On Friday 3 May there was an informal gathering at St Peter's Caversham for food, beverages... and lots of hymn singing. The video (below) also has some photos from an occasion at Peter Mann  House where +Steve, Lorraine and Marley were farewelled and given some appropriate gifts - Marley now has a new collar and lead with a very kiwi theme to it. Other gifts also included a small book with some memories gathered by staff in the office. 

Diocesan Farewell Sunday 12 May 2024

A full St Paul's Cathedral supported by the combined choirs of the Cathedral and All Saints Dunedin-Selwyn College said goodbye to the Benfords.

Bishop Steve presided at the service, with his homily based on Isaiah 6, Psalm 47, Philippians 2: 1-11 and John 1: 1-18 reminding the congregation of the importance of worship (which could be anywhere from a Cathedral to a sheep dog trial shed) and how in our loving, humble Christian service we continue to make God's Word (Jesus Christ) "flesh" for our communities. 

Prayers of Intercessions (led by St Martha's congregation) included moments for people to gather around and pray for +Steve and Lorraine, with Archbishop Phillip Richardson completing the prayers.

After Eucharist, Archbishop Philip gave a few words of appreciation to Bishop Steve on behalf of the other Bishops, with one comment being "if Steve said he would pray for us, we knew he actually would do this". 

People in the Diocese have been generous in enabling Marley to be taken back to Hull with the Benfords, and she was given a boarding pass to recognise this is about to happen (the remainder of funds given will be given to +Steve and Lorraine as a parting gift from us). 

Of course, a goodbye includes refreshments and the Parish of St John's Roslyn hosted this in their hall, with catering provided from the home of St Barnabas. 

Two songs to finish with from the Scattered People of the Good Shepherd singers: For +Steve, Lorraine and Marley.