Thank you, Stan

After a lifetime in Bermondsey, Stan and Pat Catton have moved to Sidcup to be close to their children and grandchildren, and so today we had a special united service of St James and St Anne's to say a big thank you to them, and to send them on their way with our fondest love and heartfelt prayers.

In his sermon, Stan spoke about how God called Moses, about how God called him to be an ordained local minister in Bermondsey, and how God's call reaches out to everyone.

Stan & Pat and the churchwardens

It was a powerfully moving sermon that was greeted with a spontaneous round of applause by the congregation.

Later we presented them with gifts; they cut the cake that we shared later; and the congregation gave them a standing ovation.

Then, with the sun shining, we all sat down to a bring and share lunch in the churchyard.

 
There were piles of food. There was lots of happy laughter - and lots of reunions with old friends, including my immediate predecessor as vicar, Stewart and Rosemary, his wife, who were with us for this special celebration.

With members of the Rhema Church who share our building

The good news is that the Cattons aim to keep in close touch and Stan will still assist with services from time to time at St James or St Anne's, but today was the moment to say a very big thank you to them for all they have contributed to God's mission in Bermondsey and all that they have meant to us.
We shall miss them. May God bless them!