Gary’s farewell
At the end of June we have a service to celebrate the ministry and leadership of Gary and his family’s time with us. A bit early we know, but we wanted everyone to be there. This was the last Sunday in a series about journeying.
As part of the series, the congregation regularly made a journey during the service from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall or vice versa.
This time we moved downstairs to the fellowship hall.
And here is where a variety of people spoke about Gary and his family.
Sue introduced them.
Jim spoke about his long friendship with Gary, and managed to make it all be about ties somehow, which of course ended in the gift of (another) tie.
Various others spoke about Gary and his family. Needless to say, more tributes and a few gifts.
And somehow things may not have felt complete if one gift was not a quilt, made here at the church.
Unexpectedly, they had a gift for the church too. How we have gone this long borrowing plates and cups for communion I am unsure. But now we have a beautiful pottery set for this purpose.
Afterwards a choir sang 2 numbers, one chosen by Gary that was sung 2 years ago at his welcome.
And then of course, celebratory nibbles and conversation for the next hour. (The church knows how to talk….)
And let’s not forget all those great people who makes things work in the background and the kitchen.
