The Lancelot Andrewes Award is given in recognition of “Godly Service and Zeal for the Gospel”, and although this seems a rather grand and profuse description for the work that we do at St Faith’s, it was nonetheless accepted with much gratitude, pride and humility. We feel very honoured to have received the citation, now framed and displayed with pride of place on our walls, and the medal. Not only were we taken with the acknowledgement of our work during the presentation by Bishop Christopher, but also the mention of our work as an integral part of his sermon.
It should be recognised that the inspiration for the work that we do comes from the example set by those who were at St Faith’s and welcomed us when we first arrived, in my case in 1976 and Val 1979. The standards that they set were very high and still serves as a benchmark that we still strive to achieve. The work that was not restricted to the physical maintenance and upkeep of the grounds and building, but also in maintaining the traditions of worship, liturgy, pastoral care, vestments, ensuring that these were rotated and made available in accordance with Church’s lectionary seasons. Many of those from that team are no longer with us, but they have left us a wonderful and lasting legacy of service, commitment and love for St Faith’s.
Although we have still much to learn, we can still fall back on that legacy for reference and guidance when we are presented with a new or unfamiliar issue or task.
A mark of our eventual success would be if we could influence and inspire those around us as we were inspired by those who nurtured and guided us.
