It is so easy to say that it is important that we care for each other. Caring is an integral component of living out our faith. It does not require academic qualifications or years of experience and it can be done by people at any age or stage of life. To care for each other we need to see the other person as important and value who they are.
Caring is not about wanting to change people or do things that we think are helpful. It is about being fully present in the moment and trying to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes. Caring is more about listening than speaking, being rather than doing, it is more about the other person than ourselves. This does not mean that we do not care for ourselves. If we do not do that, we are not going to be able to care for anyone else very well.
When I think about a person who cares, Ann Morwood is one of those people who immediately comes to mind. I feel very fortunate to have shared in ministry with Ann while she has been with us at Beach. Her ministry of caring presence has been pivotal in helping us to come together as a congregation and we have benefited so much from her time with us.
This Sunday we say goodbye and thank you to Ann. We send her on her way to experience retirement - for the fourth time! We hope that she relishes every moment of her time with family and friends, of travelling to new and exciting place and also just hanging out at home.
Caring for Ann means letting her go but also letting her know how much she has has meant to us. Many people have already done that in various ways but we will have another opportunity this Sunday. May we continue to care for each other as well as Ann has cared for us.
Blessings, Karen
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