St John’s rector announces retirement

Canon Robin Paisley will officiate his last service at the end of June after ten years leading the congregation.
In December 2018 St John’s will be celebrating 150 years since its dedication and Canon Paisley said this played a part in his decision to retire.
He said: “This will be a very good induction project for a new rector.”
“I have been here for ten years and in the recognisable cycle of developments in church life another five years, which is the maximum I could serve at St John’s, would lead me into another cycle of which the 150th anniversary is an example.
“It has been a privilege to serve this vibrant community of St John’s.”
St John’s, which is part of the Scottish Episcopal Church in partnership with the Methodist Church in Scotland, will officially begin the process of replacing Canon Paisley, 64, after he has retired.
An interim minister will take up post and it is expected that the new Rector would be in post by the spring or summer of next year.
Writing to the congregation, vestry secretary David Kerr said: “The first thing is to reassure you that Robin is not ill; nor is there any other negative reason for his retirement.
“He wishes, as we all would wish for him, to be able to enjoy his retirement, Helen’s retirement, their grandchildren and all the normal things, while they are both still fit and healthy.”
Mr Kerr added that Canon Paisley will be leaving St John’s in a ‘strong position’.
He wrote: “We are a viable, active, diverse congregation, which has experienced competent, pastorally and spiritually sensitive leadership for the past ten years.”