Barnes in Common

the magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
May/June 2005

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Goodbye Godfrey

from the congregation of Holy Trinity

Early in July, Holy Trinity bids a sad farewell to Father Godfrey, Moira and their boys. It is twelve years since they came to look after us here in Barnes, and we're fortunate to have had them with us for such a long time.

During that time, Father Godfrey has combined his work as our priest at Holy Trinity with his full-time job as chaplain at Colet Court.

One of his legacies is our close relationship with the Barnes Team Ministry, which Godfrey played a great part in promoting. His is a strong leader and has been instrumental in building up the congregation, encouraging people of all ages by the power of his faith and by the warm and friendly welcome which awaits all comers to Holy Trinity.

Godfrey has a gift for communication – his work with Colet Court schoolboys shone through, giving us sermons which were brief and clearly expressed – and often with a light touch. They were understood and followed by some of us whose concentration probably is not all it ought to be, always leaving us with something to ponder. His clarity of thinking and explanation shone through too in his confirmation classes and he has introduced many of us – young and old – to our first communion. He has been ready always to give time to the sick or troubled, to visit them in their homes and to make communion and the sacraments available to them.

One of our annual highlights is the Pilgrimage with Godfrey to Walsingham, which is greatly enjoyed by all who take part; Walsingham is also marked with monthly masses.

One member of Godfrey's congregation remarked: "I'm not sure how much one is supposed to enjoy going to church, but I have always enjoyed Godfrey's services greatly, leaving them feeling renewed and happy." He is an active and enthusiastic member of our church choir – quite recently formed – whose singing is an enjoyable addition to our services. The organ music is, quite simply, beautiful. The Sunday School benefited from Moira's artistic expertise and is a place where children are encouraged to blossom. We have benefited from that expertise too in Moira's flower arrangements at Eastertide, Harvest Festival and Christmas and in her paintings in the church, depicting Stations of the Cross.

Until recently, Godfrey was a governor at Lowther Primary School and with them produced an annual Carol Service at Holy Trinity. He has also played a central part in the development of the Castelnau Centre.

Godfrey and Moira are cheerful hosts with a keenness to party; they have treated us to many jolly family celebrations at the vicarage and in the hall, including Trinity Sunday, Christmas, Harvest Festival, Shrove Tuesday pancakes and Guy Fawkes.

We are grateful for all Godfrey and Moira have done for us, and to both of them, we say, "Thank you from our hearts and may God bless you and your family."

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