People from across Wells Archdeaconry, our diocese and our cathedral community gathered at Wells Cathedral on Sunday afternoon (10 May) to give thanks for the ministry of Anne Gell, and to say farewell. Colleagues past and present prayed for Anne, her husband Simon and her family, and the congregation all stood to give Anne a resounding round of applause. Anne has been the Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral for nine years.
Bishop Michael said, "It has been such a joy to be Anne’s colleague during the years that we have served together here in Bath and Wells. Anne is dedicated, wise, gentle and kind. I’m hugely grateful for all that Anne has given both as archdeacon and also as acting dean. Anne goes with our love, our gratitude and our prayers for all that the future will hold.
"I know as I go around the archdeaconry of Wells how much your ministry has been appreciated by so many of us. It's great to see here this afternoon area and lay deans, clergy, and churchwardens, PCC members and members of congregations, who've come out of love for you, and regard and appreciation for all you've given."
During the service the Dean of Wells, Toby Wright also paid tribute to Anne. He said, "You have been an enabler, a healer and truly an archdeacon, modelling that care for the poor, the widow, the lost and the least and we are grateful for that. Here at the cathedral you have been a true servant, and have given your lifeblood for this place and we are ever grateful to you."
In her address Archdeacon Anne drew from the lectionary readings of the day, Zechariah and Revelation.
"Two words shape our life together across our diocese and within our Cathedral and beyond. Words which infuse both of our readings for this afternoon. Words within which I pray God will continue to inspire and shape me. Words that I pray will continue to inspire and shape life and ministry here, in your own lives and in your parishes and communities and cathedral
"Two words. Healing and hope.
"Pray God that we may continue to sing God’s song of hope in a world where many feel lost and starved of any kind of hope. Pray God that we may continue to minister the medicine of the gospel, the healing love of Christ, wherever there is brokenness or pain.
"The healing God offers is broader and deeper and more far reaching than ever we might dare to believe. And how desperately we need to know such healing today, our world fractured and fractious, so often violent and power-obsessed. Disruption and dislocation in lives, relationships and communities at every level."
Anne ended her address with a personal message and a prayer. She said, "As I stand here this afternoon I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude to God for the faithfulness and love which has sustained and held me here. Gratitude to so many of you, and many others, in so many different ways. Gratitude for the hope and vision that has inspired our work together here under God.
"Thank you for your friendship and love, for your prayers and our companionship on this pilgrim path, for your steady support in choppy waters, for your forbearance in navigating complexities and for your forgiveness when I’ve got things wrong.
"The Diocese of Bath and Wells, the archdeaconry of Wells and Wells Cathedral will forever have a very special place in my heart."
God of healing and hope, give us your vision;
Inspire our hope, pour upon us your healing love,
That we may be weavers of hope and channels of that love
Wherever you call us. Amen.