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June 2021

OBITUARIES

was determined to resource herself in the right way so she could
primarily support others. Many would say she worked too hard, but it
was Carol’s nature to get things right, to keep going, to serve generously and
unstintingly.
It was that deep and determined faith which I feel sustained her these last
months, as Carol did her best to engage with her congregations for worship via
zoom, as she coped with her prognosis, and enjoyed her family and friends
around her.
And by adding that extra verse, perhaps Carol is wanting to leave us a
message too. Times like this can leave us troubled and afraid, as we think
about a future without someone we love, and it may be as if she is wanting to
speak through these words of Christ to us. ‘Do not let your heart be troubled
and do not be afraid.’
Finally, Carol was also a person of hope. In dying just after Easter, her favourite
season of the Church’s year we are reminded of her life, which not only was
demonstrated by love and peace, but also was held together by a deep
hope, which she too passed on to others through her determination to reach
out to those outside the church, through her generosity of time and her faith in
the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The first reading Carol chose for today is that
great verse of hope which shines through all the gospels:

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son , so that everyone who
believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
As well as giving thanks for Carol today we are committing her to God’s safe
keeping, where there is no longer pain or suffering and only eternal light and
peace. A hope she had in Jesus and a hope she had for all of us too. God not
only promises to stand alongside all who mourn offering strength and comfort
but as Christ conquered death by rising from the dead he opened the way to
eternal life for all of us.
As we reflect today on Carol’s life and ministry of love,
peace and hope, and give thanks for her, by
choosing these readings I am sure Carol wants us too
to commit ourselves to seeing that her love, peace
and hope live on in our lives and the life of the local
church. And, most importantly, I am sure she wants us
all to experience for ourselves God’s love, peace and
hope too not only at this time of loss but in the months
and years to come. Amen

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