People from around the Connexion gathered at the Victoria Hall, Sheffield, to celebrate the Rev David Halstead’s 40 years of active ministry and to mark his retirement as the Chair of the Sheffield District.

The afternoon reception hosted by Mr Halstead and his wife, Carol, provided an opportunity for friends and colleagues to reminisce and to hear tributes paid to Mr Halstead’s varied and fruitful ministry, not only in this country but also overseas.

Following the reception, folk from across the District gathered for an act of worship at which the preacher was the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Rev Jack Nicholls, with whom Mr Halstead had worked closely during his time as Chair. Other ecumenical partners the Bishop of Hallam, the Rt. Rev David Hawtin, also participated in an act of worship which sought to reflect the diversity of Mr Halstead’s ministry.

At the close of the service, District officers made presentations to David and Carol Halstead and thanks were expressed for Mr Halstead’s thoughtful and challenging leadership and for his ‘let’s do it’ spirit.

Thursday 29 September 2005