After six years in the position of Prior of the Community of the Tree of Life, Rachel Bennetts is moving on to ministerial pastures new in Cornwall later this month.
Having learnt so much about new monasticism during her time with the Community in the Diocese of Leicester, Rachel says she is sensing the call of God to enter into that way of life more fully.
She says: “It has been an immense privilege to be involved in the establishing and nurturing of this Community over the last five years. We have seen the gradual growing of a ‘deep root system’ in the Rule of Life, rhythms of prayer and relationships – these, I believe, give the Community a stability from which it will continue to grow and bear fruit.
“I’d like to thank you for your prayers and support over the last five years and ask for your prayers now for the discernment process and new appointment.”
Rachel’s leaving service will be a small gathering taking place in the chapel at The Community of the Tree of Life on Thursday 13 October.
The Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, expressed his thanks to Rachel, saying: “I am so grateful to Rachel for five years that she has spent establishing the Community of the Tree of Life.
“She arrived here when the community was no more than an idea, and then, alongside Alan and Lesley Humphrey, Matt Long and a small group of supporters she transformed the idea into the reality of a refurbished building opposite the Cathedral with a lively, energetic group of young adults devoted to exploring prayer and service. This took both patience, determination, and great grace as she dealt with many setbacks and changes along the way.
“As a result, a significant number of young lives have been transformed, with some exploring a vocation to church ministry. I want to assure Rachel of our prayers as she moves to a new ministry in Cornwall.”
The recruitment process to appoint a new leader of the Community is currently underway.
Bishop Martyn added: “As the community now moves into a new season, I am very grateful to Anna Bland and Josh Crick de Boom for providing leadership to the community while we discern a new permanent leader.
“Please feel free to contact Anna or Josh if you have any queries or would like to invite one or more community members to your church.”
For more information, contact: Josh.CrickdeBoom@LeicesterCofE.org or Anna.Bland@LeicesterCofE.org
www.leicestertreeoflife.org