On Sunday 4th September, Bishop Andy and Archdeacon Tors Ramsey licensed the Reverend Reuben Crossley as Rector of Retford, St Swithun Benefice.
Speaking after his licensing, Reverend Reuben said: “It was awesome to see 170 worshipping in St Swithun’s last night! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. A massive thank you to all who came.”
After 19 years as a physiotherapist, Reverend Reuben responded to the call to ordination. He trained at St Mellitus College, London whilst working part time in his local village church. He was ordained at Exeter Cathedral in 2019.
For the last four years, he has been a curate at St Matt’s, a Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) Resource Church in Plymouth. He oversaw over 40 small groups, he was the hosting team pastor, ordinand supervision and formation tutor.
Reuben has been married for 22 years to Portia, a self-employed photographer and who recently worked for the southwest hub of St Mellitus College in Plymouth. They have two daughters who are at university.
While in the southwest, they’ve had many adventures on the moors and beaches walking, climbing, cycling, and barbecuing. They are very much looking forward to investigating the local area.
Portia and Reuben are very excited to play their part in loving and serving Retford and joining people on an adventure of following the Way of Jesus. They are expectant and hopeful for all God will do in and through St Swithun’s in the new season as an emerging Resource Church for the region, capitalising on the rich history and prayers of this worshipping community.
You are invited to join them as they launch a new Contemporary Worship Service at 11.00am on Sundays.
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