I’ve made a bag! But it’s not just any old bag. It’s a bag full of memories.
Memories of the time spent with our Minister over 7 years.Rev Diane Smith retires today after 7 years of ministry in the Ipswich Circuit, working with 4 churches & the Dock Chaplaincy (which have been embroidered on the bag) in Felixstowe and Landseer Road in Ipswich.
As well as that are listed all our endeavours: Walton Parish Nursing, Bible Study, Prayer Meetings, Holiday Clubs, Godly Play, Trinity Coffee Mornings, Day Centre, Open 4 U, Little Fishes, Time 4 You, Kids Club, Messy Church, No Labels, Kirton Garden, Zoom Meetings. Then our active Churches Together Felixstowe with its Good Friday at Triangle, Praise on Prom, Fun & Faith, Lent Courses. As well as our Lay Worker, Ipswich Circuit & finally…. (in case she needs reminding of her final year with us)….Covid-19 Pandemic.
The rainbow straps symbolise that God wants us to be all-inclusive, regardless of colour, and the rainbow also represents the NHS that we have been so reliant on in this past, difficult year.
As you carry this bag, you can remember us & all we’ve done together. 32 embroidered hexagons to remind of what we have achieved in these years under the leadership of our Shepherd, Diane. What a legacy! A legacy that we need to hold on to & take forward to the next step with the vision of 4 Felixstowe churches working even more closely together to become one.
We can do so much more when we work together rather than when we work alone.
Thank you, Diane, for everything you’ve given to the Ipswich Circuit and especially the Felixstowe Mission Area, including your wonderful pastoral care, endless generosity & kindness & patience.
We’ll miss you terribly but wish you a happy retirement with husband Nigel.