Launde Abbey, the Retreat House of the Dioceses of Peterborough and Leicester, has a new warden, the Venerable David Newman, currently Archdeacon of Loughborough. The Rev’d Canon Helen Newman will also be joining the staff of Launde in a new role of Chaplain.
David and Helen have both worked in the Diocese of Leicester for a number of years. David was appointed as Archdeacon of Loughborough in 2009 and before that was Rector of Emmanuel Loughborough and Area Dean of Akeley East. He was also chair of the House of Clergy from 2007-2009. Helen has been the Chaplain of LOROS since 2009 and previously worked with David at Emmanuel. Helen was made an Honorary Canon of Leicester Cathedral earlier this year. They have both led numerous retreats and courses at Launde in recent years and have a deep love of the place and people.
Bishop Donald said: “I warmly welcome the appointment of David and Helen, and am delighted that their gifts will be used in this way at Launde, and for the blessing of both Leicester and Peterborough Dioceses.”
The Bishop of Leicester, The Right Reverend Martyn Snow commented: “David’s rich experience as an Archdeacon and Rector will be invaluable in ensuring that Launde plays a very prominent role in the diocese’ vision to be ‘Shaped by God’. Helen also brings rich gifts in teaching and spiritual direction and I am absolutely delighted that they have agreed to move to Launde.”
David and Helen are very happy to be moving to the Retreat Centre. “Launde Abbey has always been a special place for us during our twenty years in Leicester Diocese and we are very excited at this opportunity to lead the community forward in its ministry of hospitality, prayer and equipping for discipleship. Our vision is for Launde to be a prophetic and sustaining resource, enabling the people of God to negotiate challenging times with courage, wisdom and hope.”
Tim Stratford, Chair of Trustees, added, “I am delighted that David Newman is to take on the role of Warden at Launde Abbey and will be joined in ministry there by his wife, Helen.
Together they bring deep spiritual maturity and a breadth of experience that it is rare to find. I am confident that this precious place will be in safe hands as they offer their leadership and share responsibility with others to make Launde Abbey a hospitable place on a secure footing in which people will encounter the living God.”
Please pray for David and Helen as they prepare to move to Launde in the Spring of 2017.