Sunday, 7th March, 2010
I’ve just returned home from a really demanding but very good weekend where we gathered together the wider leadership network of Overseers, Seniors, Trustees, Economos, potential Provincials and Invited others to share and carry some of the responsibilities and decisions concerning the ongoing life, growth and development of the Community. These are heady, challenging but exciting days. I thank God for some really good Companions and Friends with whom I am covenanted together with, within the love of Christ. Their faithfulness to the Community and commitment to its work is commendable and encouraging. It was great to see everyone including Sarah who had flown in from the States and Floor & Ada who had come across on the ferry from Holland just to be with us for the weekend. A mixture of founding generations, second and now third generations. Each one occupying the right seat, prepared to take responsibility for the fitting task and with willing hearts. It augers well for our future.
Two folks who were very noticeable by their absence were Jeff and Jill. Tragedy had befallen them and their family last Friday as Jill’s brother sadly and unexpectedly died within a week of contracting Guillane Barre Syndrome. I am grieving the loss of my elderly parents, but the sudden death of a fit and healthy 50 year old is an altogether different thing. I have known Andrew since the days when he and his first wife were part of the church I pastured at Portrack on Teesside. He had been with the Community years ago and among his many talents was his musical abilities and it was at Spring Harvest on a Community team that he met his second wife. His death is sad, complex and agonising for his family and for Jeff and Jill who are carrying much of the responsibility, to steer their large and extended family through this dark chapter in their lives ~ pray for them.
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