December 2024
The Sarum College community said farewell to The Revd Kim Stephens on the final ministry weekend (6-8 December) of 2024. Kim, who has been Chaplain to the Sarum Centre for Formation in Ministry since 2021, retires at the end of the month. Among her plans for 2025 is a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
“Although for me it is a time for new beginnings, this decision comes with great sadness. It has been a real blessing and privilege to be part of the Sarum Formation Ministry Team for the past four years. I have been both encouraged and inspired to be in an environment where I have witnessed students flourish and grow in their vocation,” Kim says. “Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of that journey.”
“Kim’s work with students who are being shaped and form
ed for authorised lay and ordained ministries has left an indelible mark both on our formation work but especially on those who have been supported by her careful attentiveness and wise counsel.
Her presence, her understanding and her sympathy have transformed our students’ vocational journey for the good,” said Sarum College Principal The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward. “I believe that they found in her a safe space within which to grow and deepen their wisdom.”
In his trademark tribute of three words starting with the first letter of the person’s name, James described Kim as knowledgeable, keen (-eyed) and kind.
“At our farewell on Saturday afternoon the enormous affection and respect with in which she is held was wonderfully expressed by the student body,” he said. “We shall miss her very much indeed.”
“Students and staff have valued Kim’s patient listening, wisdom and insight,” says The Revd Paul Burden, Dean of Ministry. “We are very grateful for all she has contributed, and we will miss her good humour and caring presence and wish her well.”
With thanks to Nitin Shinde for the photos. Nitin is a current student working on an HE Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission.
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