Can you imagine being a parishioner of one church for your whole life? Not everyone can lay claim to six decades of serving the Lord, especially if it has all occurred within the bounds of one parish!
At only a few weeks old, Caroline Gibbs (née Hutcheson) was baptised at St Johns in Wakefield. St Johns has been Caroline’s home church and part of the fabric of her life ever since. The Parish of Wakefield & Districts was thrilled on Sunday to observe Bishop Steve presenting Caroline with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the diocese. As an extra surprise, Caroline’s son and daughter-in-law from Christchurch were able to come and celebrate this magnificent occasion.
Caroline has served the church in many capacities over the decades – as a church warden, synod representative and recorder, vestry member, home group leader, community lunch leader and, for over sixty years, church organist.
Receiving the award with surprise and appreciation, Caroline wanted to acknowledge all the other faithful parishioners. “We don’t serve the Lord to get accolades, we serve the Lord because we love the Lord.”
Don Moses, our vicar, agreed. “You don’t do it for the accolades, and that’s why you deserve them.”
Caroline, we applaud your unwavering faith and acknowledge the enormous contribution you have made to our church in Jesus' name.
“Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honour anyone who serves me.”
John 12:26
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Can you imagine being a parishioner of one church for your whole life? Not everyone can lay claim to six decades of serving the Lord, especially if it has all occurred within the bounds of one parish!
At only a few weeks old, Caroline Gibbs (née Hutcheson) was baptised at St Johns in Wakefield. St Johns has been Caroline’s home church and part of the fabric of her life ever since. The Parish of Wakefield & Districts was thrilled on Sunday to observe Bishop Steve presenting Caroline with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the diocese. As an extra surprise, Caroline’s son and daughter-in-law from Christchurch were able to come and celebrate this magnificent occasion.
Caroline has served the church in many capacities over the decades – as a church warden, synod representative and recorder, vestry member, home group leader, community lunch leader and, for over sixty years, church organist.
Receiving the award with surprise and appreciation, Caroline wanted to acknowledge all the other faithful parishioners. “We don’t serve the Lord to get accolades, we serve the Lord because we love the Lord.”
Don Moses, our vicar, agreed. “You don’t do it for the accolades, and that’s why you deserve them.”
Caroline, we applaud your unwavering faith and acknowledge the enormous contribution you have made to our church in Jesus' name.
“Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honour anyone who serves me.”
John 12:26
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
