News – Page 13

From the Epperstone , Gonalston , Oxton  and Woodborough Churches’ Benefice.

REMEMBERING WITH GRATITUDE

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Ian Russell who died on Monday 9^th August. He had retired from being Archdeacon of Coventry, moving with Barbara his wife to Woodborough in December 2000; leaving in 2017 to live in clergy sheltered accommodation in Haslemere, Surrey – (a development which he himself had had a leading part in developing when in Coventry). He had played a major part in ministry across the EGOW benefice for 17 years (the longest period he had spent anywhere). He was deeply loved and respected.  Many comments were made on the Woodborough Whats App site. He was described as a ‘special’ man who was ‘humble’ ‘wise’ and ‘kind’. ‘He set us an example of how to share God’s love’. Many have good memories of time spent with him.

Over the last three years his health had gradually deteriorated such that he required support from carers at their home. It was there that he died.  ‘May he rest in peace and rise in glory’ is a prayer we often say for those who have died. We pray it now for Ian. This prayer summarises the Christian hope – that death is neither to be feared nor viewed as final. Christ’s resurrection, which we celebrate every Sunday has won a great victory, opening the way to eternal life for those who accept God’s gracious invitation to share it.

It is also with sadness that we bid farewell to Lynn Raynor who has just retired from ministry with EGOW on the 29^th August. Lynn had joined the benefice as Associate Priest in May 2017. At that time she was also a chaplain, ministering across Nottingham hospitals. She resigned to spend more time with us. Following Anthony Giles being requested to step back from ministerial duties, Lynn was asked to step up to lead ministry across EGOW in October 2020. This of course was right in the midst of the pandemic.

She led the development of the WhatsApp prayertime across the benefice. In lockdown, she started and led the Zoom 10 am services, which were much appreciated by the 70+ who joined  in. Since Sunday services have been held in – person she has led these and preached on each occasion rotating around the churches in the benefice.  She has shown great pastoral sensitivity including conducting a number of funerals.  Consequently she has worked extremely hard on behalf of us all.

A worsening of her health condition has caused her and Ian, her husband, to come to the decision to step back from active ministry with us. We are extremely grateful for all that she has done for us. We have assured her of our prayers for the future. To mark her time with us, we commissioned a painting depicting the EGOW benefice. (This was undertaken by Viola Calthrop-Owen who many will recall was wife to Gordon, our vicar in Woodborough between 1990 and 2002 )

Lynn has assured us of her prayers for us as we look towards a somewhat uncertain future. The apostle Paul encourages us in our praying  – ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’. (I Thessalonians 5 )

Every blessing

Richard Turner RLM (Lay Reader)

PS Please note that Bishop Andy Emerton will be visiting St Swithun’s on Sunday 26^th September at 10.00am to preach and celebrate communion with us. All are welcome.