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Rooted Growing Branching

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.

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As part of the series, the congregation regularly made a journey during the service from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall or vice versa.

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This time we moved downstairs to the fellowship hall.

 

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And here is where a variety of people spoke about Gary and his family.

Sue introduced them.

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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.

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Various others spoke about Gary and his family.  Needless to say, more tributes and a few gifts.

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And somehow things may not have felt complete if one gift was not a quilt, made here at the church.

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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.

 

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Afterwards a choir sang 2 numbers, one chosen by Gary that was sung 2 years ago at his welcome.

 

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And then of course, celebratory nibbles and conversation for the next hour.  (The church knows how to talk….)

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And let’s not forget all those great people who makes things work in the background and the kitchen.

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