It, Is, Finished!
Do listen intently to Rosie Rushton’s sermon, when she preached for the very last time on Good Friday!
Rosie has retired as a Lay Reader at St Peter’s Weston Favell after over 20 years of ministry.
Now it’s time to let the big wide world into a rather big secret!!
When I was about 6 or 7 years old. Or maybe younger, well of an age to have some understanding of what was going on! A bit…
I was sitting in church, and in the middle of the service, id beVERY BORED of all the talking and reading, and I just wanted to sing, hear the choir sing, or watch/listen to Vince playing the organ or Piano.
Then from time to time, after lots of talking and reading, A big old scary woman who wasn’t the vicar would climb up into the pulpit, switch the light on and give us the following prayer:
“May My words be true to the written word, and lead to the Living Word… Jesus Christ our Saviour “
I was very scared!! It was like Mrs Roy from primary school getting on the stage in assembly ready to shout at us!
I felt a similar resemblance!
I was so young, and didn’t really pay attention, but of course felt that from the pulpit “she can see everything!! and could at any point could stop and shout at us if we’re not listening”
Little did I know that this big scary old lady! Is not a big scary old lady.
Firstly) She isn’t old!
She is the most active I’ve ever seen! She is incredible! Her walks during lockdown show that! I’ll have to find you her blog post about walking the dog!
Secondly) She isn’t scary! She is the nicest, most kindest, most thoughtful, most helpful, most humorous lady!
Thirdly) although she talks a lot (I thought back then) every single word, every single sentence, paragraph, story, book, every giggle, every joke.
EVERYTHING this woman says, just makes sense. Means something.
Now as an adult, I look back and regret missing all the sermons that I was too young to understand or want to listen to.
I have lots of funny moments to keep me remembering Rosie. And a lot of memories that have inspired me and will inspire me for years to come!!
Now I don’t say this lightly as there are many many absolutely brilliant Lay Readers, one of whom has been a very special friend for many years, But Rosie is the absolute best! And I think anyone who knows her will agree unanimously! And I’m sure her legacy will have inspired many other readers and ministers, and will always inspire them more!
But Rosie is the absolute best!!
So, on Easter Sunday, with a little shake in my body and nearly a tear in my eye. I watched Rosie hang up her blue scarf for the last time. Putting it around the neck of the Lecturn Eagle. A heart sinking moment!
Until….
Peterborough Diocese have given Rosie the title Lay Reader Emeritus! So was duly given her scarf back, with a hug of welcome, congratulations and laughter!!!
So, Rosie, Happy Retirement and Welcome back! Please don’t ever ever stop! You are the most amazing lady and the most brilliant at everything you do!!!
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