From engineering to ministry: The Rev John Lee at Thatcham URC retires after more than a decade of service

A minister at Thatcham United Reformed Church is retiring after more than a decade of service.

The Rev John Lee was in post for 13 years but has decided it is time to take a step back from his duties.

Mr Lee felt a calling into ministry after working in civil and structural engineering for 30 years.

It was a career change that came as a surprise to some.

“I can remember emailing 70 different people in my contacts from my career,” Rev Lee said.

“I got a range of replies.

“A lot of them wishing me well.

“Some couldn’t understand it and wished me well in my new hobby.

“Some said they could see that as a next step they could see it in me which is really nice.

“That was quite affirming.”

The 70-year-old Reading man added: “You don’t get a big finger of God pointing at you, it doesn’t work that way.

“You get a sense of change, a sense of there is more to do in life that is more worthwhile.

“You feel a calling, you go to investigate and it all falls into place.”

The father-of-two, and grandfather-of-four, said he always planned to retire at 70.

And he has enjoyed the journey, sharing its highs and lows.

Rev Lee worked through the pandemic and has seen many people through some difficult, personal situations.

He said: “Some families have lost loved ones young or old.

“It has been hard because some people have gone through terrible things.

“But you walk with them it.”

Mr Lee, who is a volunteer minister who is self-supported, said he has enjoyed the feeling of support within the church – likening them to an extended family.

“I have always preached the value of a church family.

“And I hope for everybody to be able to have a church family.”

He will be focusing on family and taking a break with wife Rachel.

“She has been so supportive,” he said.

“She deserves a break, she has been busy as well in the church leading the music most Sundays.

“We are going to have one or two holidays to take a deep breath on life and reflect on what we have done.

“And find each other again, I am very lucky to be married to someone who is so supportive.”

But Mr Lee will still be around for his Thatcham community – a town he says has opened his eyes

He said: “I’ll be an active, retired minister so I will be at local churches helping out and taking some services.”