Saying Thank You!

The first person we come to say thank you to – BUT not goodbye – is our Nursery Manager of 37 years Carole Woodward. Carole had a leaving party in Nursery on Thursday, but it is also right that we mark her contribution to service within a church service, as the Nursery is an essential ingredient of the Mission of this Church.
It is Lyndon Methodist Nursery; it is our nursery and is part our vision to reach out to the very youngest to the eldest in our community, to provide a place of belonging, believing in Jesus and building church together. The Nursery is very much part of that belonging stage.
On Thursday many things were said of Carole, but the aspect that was not emphasised enough was quite simply her love of children. Carole visibly relaxes in the company of young children; delights in their conversation and enjoys seeing their potential developed.
Carole you have highlighted to us that our call to God’s service should at heart be about enjoying what we do well.
Doing what you do well leads me to the 2 Karens
Karen Bell and Karen Hilsden joined us in September 2008, looking for a place to belong, believe, and build community while they prepared for their call to ordained ministry at Queens. Karen Bell immediately engaged in the kitchen at Luncheon Club – a place of friendship and support for older people many of whom who have experienced significant bereavement and loss. Karen Hilsden engaged with Girls Brigade.
To this immediate practical work was added their contribution in terms of preaching, pastoral care, fellowship and friendship and within all of this they loved us and challenged us particularly Karen Bell in her work on disability and our worship space. We had never thought before that without access to the platform area at the front of church, we were subliminally saying that only fit and able bodied people can lead worship. For a church that prides itself on its welcome to all that was hard for us to hear.
It can be very tempting to be seduced into thinking that ministry is about being liked. It’s not its about bringing the word of God to people. If you carry on with the same measure of love and challenge as you have here with us you should do very well.
And finally that brings me to Jez Wassall. When we come back at the beginning of the new Connexional Year we will do so with a new Boys’ Brigade Captain. After 7 years of service as captain Jez stands down but will retain an active part leading Juniors and mentoring Matt.
Carole, Karen and Karen have gone the extra mile within the context of their job and their call to a future job. Jez has gone the extra mile as Captain within the context of a full time job and family responsibilities and the other 3 all say that the hours and commitment has left them standing still.
Within the understanding of our service today and the story of the Good Samaritan, for Jez the definition of neighbour is the young boy playing football in the street; the gang on Campden Green and the encouragement that no matter the ability or background there is a place to belong.
What motivates Jez is a belief that if young people have a sense of belonging, can develop a belief in Jesus and can be built together into a community – the church – then things will go well with them. In this he has been joined by all members of his family and a very good team of offices and today I particularly mention Martin and Bernie Davis who have supported you ably and from September take a well earned rest.
On Thursday, Carole was given a gift from the Nursery and at Church today the 2 Karen’s will be blessed with all manner of books and banners. You Jez will just have a thank you card from you minister which comes with love to you; the deep gratitude of this congregation and the knowledge that as you pass responsibility of the company on, it is 60 strong and thriving, which in today’s world is no mean achievement.
You should be very pleased! We are! God is!
Sisters and Brothers – I give you Carole, Karen and Karen and Jez.
Amen