June to August 2025 was the last time I took services ‘face to face. In June I was joined in my service at Bromborough by two of my fellow preachers Peter Collyer and Andrew Clough), a good experience
I was recognised as a fully accredited local preacher in Sheffield in 1961 before we moved to Bromborough in January 1962, but I preached my first sermon when I was 16.
1953 was a memorable year for me. Of course, we all remember it as coronation year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; but personally, I had just finished O levels (GCSE), and had a breathing space before I entered the sixth form to start work for my A levels. Then my church steward, Mr Fisher, who was also Sunday School Superintendent at the church where I had grown up, said to me “Pat we’ve not got anyone to take the service at the end of August, it’s time you started – go away and think of a text and prepare a sermon and then come and talk to me and ‘Auntie Nellie’, and we’ll look it over”. Forerunner of ‘Own Arrangements?
I was 16 and a member of a small church – Kent Road in Brunswick circuit in Sheffield – I was a Sunday School teacher and a member of Christian Endeavour, and ‘Auntie Nellie’ was our leader. She and Mr. Fisher her brother-in-law were preachers in the circuit. After the service, they on behalf of the church submitted my name to the circuit and I was duly given a ‘note to preach’. Certainly a different expression of a ‘Call to Preach’.
My ‘On Note’ and ‘On Trial’ were duly carried out in that circuit, but took longer, first because I was away at college for two years (55-57) and then after Keith and I married in September 1959 we moved to live in Germany, so I was given permission to study for exams by correspondence course, and exam papers sent to Keith to invigilate in Germany. He was a tough invigilator! Fortunately, all that was completed by the time we returned to Sheffield, and my final service and interview took place, and my recognition service arranged before we moved to Wirral in October 1961.
The rest, as they say, is history. I arrived in the then Bebington circuit and have very happy memories of the churches in those days, Over the years I have been privileged to preach in all the churches in the Wirral circuit, as well as many in Liverpool. One of the questions that was asked about us when we were presenting ourselves for Recognition, to be admitted to the company of the preachers, was “Do they have the gifts and graces?” Preaching is a privilege and a high calling.
The Service of Recognition as Local Preachers of Mrs Lynda Pillow and Mrs Pam Simms will take place at 7:30 pm on Monday 26th July at Trinity with Palm Grove. It will be led by Revd Heather Cooper with Revd Dr Christine Jones preaching.
Trinity with Palm Grove are maintaining all social distancing and Covid protocols for the time being and therefore there will only be limited space to attend in person. Priority is being given to participants, the families of Lynda and Pam, their home churches, members of Trinity with Palm Grove, and Local Preachers. There will be some spaces available, but these must be pre-booked with Veronica Frances (Vronia15@aol.com or tel: 328 1761) no later than Friday 23rd July.
Hymn and Service Sheets
If you are planning to attend you will need to bring your own copies of the service sheet and hymns. You can download and print them from these links:
Our buildings are closed – but our churches certainly aren’t! Wherever you look on the Wirral, you will find congregations connecting with one another and reachjihng out to their communities. Supplying food to those who need it, remembering those who have lost their lives, maintaining contact with those locked down at home, and sharing studies and services online – there has been a creative explosion in our worship, fellowship and service. Facebook, Zoom, podcasting, WhatsApp and the good old telephone system have been pressed into service to keep us connected and build up our faith.
The Good Neighbours Group has been meeting for a couple of years to share information and inspiration across our churches. In lieu of a meeting, this month people shared reports of what their churches have been doing. Here are five stories for you to read – and maybe get inspired yourselves. Remember that we are collecting ansd sharing resources on our Resources Page here, and also on our Facebook Page.
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