Poignant moments at farewell to The Reverend Helen Charlton

Jo Robinson (r) giving an appreciation of Helen's ministry at All Saints Church

There was sadness, laughter and joyful sharing of happy memories at All Saints Church when the congregation marked the last day of The Rev'd Helen Charlton's attachment to the parish. Churchwarden Anne King led a farewell ceremony at the end of the Parish Communion service. and presented Helen with a gift from the congregation of a data projector. The Rev'd Anna Harwood Associate Rector, presented flowers and a bottle of Helen's favourite and thanked Helen for her support and especially during the recent sabbatical leave of the Rector.Jo Robinson and Peter Barrett shared favourite memories of Helen's ministry at All Saints Church both before and since she was ordained; complete with visual aids!

Peter Barrett with some of the visual aids to reflect Helen's ministry in All Saints

Canon David Hodgson, Rector, led the congregation in a prayer of thanks and blessing for Helen.

Helen's new role will be to assist the Diocesan Director of Ordinands in assessing candidates for ordination and she will be attached to Twyford Parish. 

Helen said: " A door opened which I didn't even know existed and it seems right to go through it. I will still be living in Wokingham and Clive wil continue to be churchwarden at All Saints so we will be working out what it will mean to worship at different churches. You will still see me around!"

After the service Helen opened her gift, cut a special cake and a toast was made in sparkling drink.

Helen cutting her cake

Read words from the Rector about Helen's ministry from the February edition of All Saints Parish magazine.