With gratitude to Noel Williams

From Rev Dr John Squires
Presbytery Minister - Wellbeing

Last Sunday morning, members of the St Andrew’s Uniting Church in Cooma gathered for worship at the usual time. Lurline Gray led the gathering in worship with grace and clarity, as Presbytery Co-Chairperson Judy McKinlay conducted the closure of ministry of Noel Williams with dignity. Noel has been serving in a three-year, part-time Supply Ministry role with the Congregation.

 

The Chairperson of the Pastoral Relations Committee, the Rev. Elizabeth Raine, and the Presbytery Minister—Well-being, the Rev. Dr John Squires, were also present at the service. John gave “A Sermon for Trinity Sunday”, reflecting on how this doctrine sought to contextualise the Gospel and provided missional ways of engaging with the community of the time—and encouraging those present to do the same thing, today, in their community.

 

During the service, Church Council member Keith Shoobridge expressed the thanks of the whole Congregation for Noel’s ministry over the last three years. Afterwards, in the hall, those present enjoyed a special cake made for the occasion, and applauded as Noel and his wife Kayleen were given gifts signalling the gratitude of the people of St Andrew’s Cooma. 

We give thanks to Noel for years of faithful and caring ministry and to Kayleen for her support and encouragement over the years. Noel and Kayleen will continue to live on their farm at Murrumbucca in the area and participate in the life of the Congregation. And Noel will continue in his defence chaplaincy role in Canberra with the Air Force until his formal retirement from that position in July 2022.