I am not sure if Baptists do "State Funerals" - but if they do,then we certainly witnessed one for Peter Grange yesterday.
The well-oiled KMFC Team swung into action with military precision, 
and everyone worked together to make sure all went smoothly. The Chair Shifters were on hand the moment Playgroup ended to set up the Large Hall, the Caterers were in the kitchen, Mike and his AVA team were all over the place, the Car Park attendants marshalled vehicles into the their parking spots, the Stewards were meeting and greeting - and afterwards all these people stayed to put everything back into the right place for Sunday. Peter was greatly loved and respected here - as a Pastor and friend - and we all wanted to do our very best. Bob and I are both so grateful for all the support and prayers we have received in such a busy week.
Our own folk here have been fabulous, and we have had phone messages and emails of encouragement from friends all over the country. Thankyou, everyone
If you want to know who came, pick any page in the Baptist Handbook, and somebody on that page was probably there. What is the correct collective noun for a large group of Regional Ministers? (No Dianne, I don't think it is 'nightmare'!) The huge congregation was not only ' Didcot Bigshots', but also ordinary folk from all over the country, whose lives had been touched by Peter's ministry and friendship. It was truly a celebration of a life well lived for Jesus.
All those who spoke gave tribute to Peter's life, laughter, and love - and above all, his great faith, not only through his final illness, but throughout his whole life - when his over-riding desire was to share the Good News of Jesus.
Bob is just about to go and conduct the service for the committal of the ashes, and I pray that this quiet moment of reflection and 'goodbye' for Janet, Rachel and Suzanne, away from the buzz of yesterday, will be a time of blessing for them.
"Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord"
"The memory of the just is blessed"
We will miss you so much, Peter
It was a wonderful occasion, if funerals can be wonderful, and a privilege to be there. You could almost hear Peter's voice in some of the stories, feel his warmth and his wisdom and find yourself made to feel that everything is alright, just as Peter would have done, and of course it is.
ReplyDeleteMassive thanks to all at KMFC. Now put up your feet and relax with some JS indulgences!
Thanks Catriona - good to see you 'in the flesh' and not 'in blogland'!
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