On Saturday 7th July some intrepid members of St Michael’s congregation attended a wonderful service held at Newport Cathedral, having navigated a rather sweltering 6+ hours trip from Houghton. It was a real delight to share in this special service with Sue’s family and friends from all over the country and we were all made to feel very welcome. Newport Cathedral, St Woolos is a beautiful light and ancient building that was full of amazing flower displays as the week preceding had been a flower festival. The service itself was a real celebration of Sue’s achievements with reflections of her time at Houghton alongside welcoming her warmly into her new post. There were lots of good conversations during the refreshments following the service and some of us were able to gather the following day for a celebration lunch.
It was an emotional service with a full church this morning as Rector Sue conducted her last Sunday Eucharist with us. Rector Sue did a very rousing sermon based around Bernard Gilpin which gave us all lots of encouragement to carry on with the good work we are already doing and keep her legacy alive. She spoke about Generosity, Inclusion, Love & Laughter, (fighting)Injustice & Nurture. Distributing holy communion to the gathered congregation was very moving for both Sue and those who received and there were a good few tears. However, there was also celebration and thanks in speeches from church warden Simon, Councillor Juliana Heron, the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and the Lord Lieutenant. Young church had been working on a marvellous farewell gift which you can see in great detail in the photos below. We ended our farewell in true St Michael’s style with tea, coffee and a gorgeous cake baked by Simon and decorated by Damien.
happiness and success as she moves on to new adventures and challenges in Wales.
On Thursday 14th June Space4 hosted a special lunchtime event to say a fond farewell to Rector Sue before she heads off to be an Archdeacon in Wales. Old faces and new gathered to share memories to wish the woman, without whom, there would be no Space4. An idea on the back of an envelope, vision and drive made our church community project a reality nearly 5 years ago. More recently when our position in our current home came under threat, it was Rector Sue who negotiated with the powers that be to secure us a lease and three years security. We are very sad to see her go but happy that she will be sharing her many talents and taking on new challenges. No one every imagined the success that Space4 has been, probably not even Rector Sue and we will carry on the good work as part of her legacy to Houghton le Spring.
