litany(ii)

Cec, absolute gentleman, encourager and faithful Christian. What a delight it was to know him. At a time when things were low and I felt I was being victimised in public he alone would stand and demand quality behaviour from bullies and respect for all people in disagreements. At his funeral someone commented (not a church person) "Why do Anglicans talk about sin at a funeral?" Cec would have understood well.

Nessie, widow and gentlewoman.  What a great friend she was, and what a faithful worshipper. How sad the demise into Alzheimers.

Toni and David, stalwarts and faitfhful people.  What more need to be said of those who were there before I arrived at my second parish, who were great supporters of church life, and who continue to be so.

John, theologian, pastor and father. A gentle man who died too soon. Who gave to theological education a humanity and hope that it was in danger of losing.

Peter, quiet man and writer.  Throughout my ministry people with mental illness have been given to me to remind me of how delicate people are. Peter was shocked when I publicly thanked him as I left St Paul's for his gift to us and to me of himself

Lyn, ecumenist and vigorous woman of the the church,  what fun and a privilege to work with someone who wanted her church (RC) to be more open and inclusive and to take its failure seriously

Jenny and Linda, intelligent lay women. Who were challenged to respond to the gospel with vigour and rigour and who did.

Margaret, Janet, & Yvonne  students who took the opportunity to hear the voice of God calling them to vocation as priests

The Blesseds Juliana & Patricia, religious, who took the difficult path of reinterpreting what their call meant and who continue to grapple

Kay, faithful woman,  who in a life of difficulty which seemed to be hit with one thing after another, continued to have faith and praise God 

Well, the list just gets longer and longer. I have not missed people off so much as just stopped in mid-air...and there may be a few more tomorrow (All Saints Day)