Bishop Tim urged worshippers to: “Mind the gap”.

Truro Cathedral was filled with joy, hope and laughter, with a small side order of sadness, when people gathered to worship with Bishop Tim as he presided over his final Eucharist service as diocesan bishop.

He was joined by Bishop Chris, Dean Roger, Archdeacons Audrey and Bill, and, characteristically, Revd Steve Wild, chairman of Cornwall’s Methodist District, as well as pupils from some of Cornwall’s church schools, and members of Cornwall Deaf Church.

Dean Roger introduces the Eucharist.

The Sung Eucharist also featured the Truro Cathedral Choir, and other musicians, as well as readings from Bishop Tim’s wife, Sian, and Diocesan Secretary Esther Pollard.

Revd Steve Wild led the Intercessions.

During a memorable and beautiful service, Bishop Tim gave a sermon that spoke of his life as a diocesan bishop in Cornwall, during which he has spent considerable amounts of time trying to draw people’s attention to the gap that exists between the common perception of life in Cornwall, and a reality that for many people involves hardship.

He said: “Tragically, as we also know, there is a gap between perception and reality of life in Cornwall. Many are suffering and may be struggling to survive. Thousands  of volunteers work day by day because of their Christian faith to help those who are struggling.

“I urge you to notice the gap there is in your lives between reality and perception and work on closing it. Please be careful before you come to swift judgements about other people. Please beware lest you allow your prejudices and presuppositions to colour all you do and say.

“Brothers and sisters in Christ, mind the gap, keep working on what God calls us to be and enjoy the daily challenge of being a disciple of Jesus Christ who is alive.

“Thank you, keep the faith, and goodbye.”

Following the service, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Col Edward Bolitho, said we had been lucky to have had Toe-Tapping Tim from Truro at our helm who, alongside Steve Wild, had been one half of the Morecambe and Wise of Cornish religion.

On a more serious note, Col Bolitho paid tribute to the work Bishop Tim had done in the community which spanned helping to galvanise organisations that assisted some of the less fortunate in society, to being able to raise issues for debate in the House of Lords. He also cited Bishop Tim’s work as the co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Food Poverty and Hunger in Britain.

Dean Roger then had the congregation in stitches by reading excerpts from Bishop Tim’s fictional diary before giving a more serious thank you to Bishop Tim for his leadership and challenge, and for surrounding himself with disciples of Christ who will continue the challenge of Discovering God’s Kingdom and Growing the Church.

Lord Lieutenant Colonel Edward Bolitho pays tribute to Bishop Tim’s work in the community in Cornwall.

Steve Wild brought along some props for use in the less formal part of the event.

The singing was hale and hearty.

A little something to help Bishop Tim remember his time in Cornwall.