We like to record in this newsletter the names of those who’ve died recently, sometimes writing a few words about them. But for our long-term Editor, considerable thanks and tribute must be paid. We shall all miss Eunice so much. To me personally she was a great support and encourager and a true friend.
Eunice died full of joy and peace in the Hospice on 14th June having turned 90 in February. She started this monthly Newsletter decades ago, originally just for Wilden, but soon also for Ravensden and Colmworth. 5 years ago we included Keysoe and Bolnhurst. But I know many in Renhold and other neighbouring villages read it, and it’s emailed across the country to some who’ve moved away. And since having our Website its gone viral on the World Wide Web!
We’ll be giving thanks for Eunice’s wonderful life and ministry and all she contributed to our churches and communities, as well as praying for her family and friends at a service at St Nicholas Wilden on Tuesday 9th July 1pm.
I’ve just returned from my 3 months Extended Study Leave. I had already decided to write about Ministry and service and how grateful I am to all who’ve covered my absence. Eunice was a great example of this in so many ways, so I’m sure she’d want us to continue to follow this example.
As I pray each morning, I focus on different aspects on each day. On Thursdays, I’ve always prayed that God would gift and stir up by His Holy Spirit gifts to all His people. And over the years its been so encouraging to see this in action!
But specifically, I’d like to thank Geraldine Skinner our Licenced Reader for leading many services including at least 5 funerals over the last 3 months, as well as retired and other clergy who’ve come in to support us. And thank you to Geraldine and to Carolyn Walker for writing this leader in recent Newsletters.
But I’m also aware others locally have led more ministry – leading prayers and even short services. This is something that needs to be encouraged to enable more services to be held in our beautiful village churches. The Diocese runs a ‘Lay Leaders of Worship’ course over 3 weekday evenings online and one Saturday in person within a 2 month period. Is this something to which you could offer yourself or someone else you could encourage to undertake?
Its good to be back amongst you all after travels to Ireland, Wales, Liverpool, Cambridge, Hereford, Gloucestershire, Norfolk, London, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. I’ve seen a lot of people, read a lot, talked a lot, thought a lot, sung, played the piano and organ and done some decorating. But most importantly I’ve made extra time for prayer. I trust I’m returning refreshed and ready for whatever God has before us in our five Parishes. My thanks again to you all for enabling me to take this much valued time stepping back.
Timothy Wilson
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