Some people come and go. Some people stay and serve. Some people shape the life of a church in quiet, faithful ways that stretch decades. Colleen has shaped us.
At the end of June, Colleen Whitehead steps down as our office secretary. She and Trevor have been part of Benoni Baptist Church for 36 years. She retires after 23 years in the role, and Trevor for many years as a deacon. That’s decades of faithfulness. Decades of service. Decades of love.
She has answered your phones, made copies, printed bulletins. She has handled schedules, filed records, served tea. She has opened doors, welcomed guests, calmed nerves. She has been patient. She has been kind. She has been steady. Behind the scenes, she has held things together. She has often held us together.
We will celebrate her retirement on Sunday, 20 July, after the morning service. Please join us for a bring and share lunch. We want to eat, remember, and give thanks for how God has used her in our lives.
We’re also creating a keepsake book for Colleen. A collection of memories, letters, drawings, and notes. We’d love you to write something for her. Please keep it to A5 size. You may include a photo or drawing. You may use pretty notepaper if you wish. It may be typed or handwritten. It will be scanned as is. Send your contribution to barbsomerset@gmail.com. The closing date is 11 July to allow time for printing. So write a memory. Share a word of thanks. Draw a picture. Say a prayer. Take a moment to honour someone who has given us so much.
Paul writes to the church in Rome, Give recognition to those who labor among you. That’s what we want to do.