Melva started attending AFC on my first Sunday here eight years ago. She had just moved into the area and intended to go to another church that frosty morning, to a service which started at 10 o'clock. Failing to leave enough time to scrap the ice off the windscreen (we've all been there!) she decided to 'try' us out instead as our worship began thirty minutes later at 10.30! She came and, thankfully for us, she stayed.
Melva was a great supporter and encourager of our church and played her part in attending weekly worship, sharing in LunchBreak, supporting the Hands Together Group and serving at the Fun at One parent and toddler afternoons. She made friends here, as she did in other town groups, and we'll miss her.
How fitting then, that her service should be on All Souls Day. A time for us to recall with thanksgiving those we love but who now dwell 'upon another shore and in a greater light'.
In these strange times we are, perhaps, valuing the gift of life differently. We have always known that love and companionship transforms life and on a day such as this we give thanks once more for the lives of family, friends, colleagues and fellow pilgrims - lives that have touched ours and made our journey through life that much deeper.
For all the saints, who from their labours rest - Alleluia!
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