I have been a member of Ascension Balham for over 50 years. I have served in the church in many different capacities over the years; Sunday School, deputy Church Warden, Mothers’ Union Rep, the choir, social committee, the maintenance working party and as Treasurer for 15 years.
During that period Reverend. Andrew White arrived with a graft of 50 people from St Marks Battersea Rise to join us at Ascension, doubling the congregation. Most of the existing congregation were elderly and I was one of just five members who were under the age of fifty. Reverend Andrew encouraged me to go into training for the priesthood. His statement was “you have done everything in the Church; it is time for you to be trained with a title!” I started training on the OLM (Ordained Local Minister) course. Progressing from there I did more training and gained a bachelor’s in theology degree. I have now been ordained as an SSM (Self-supporting Minister) for 25 years.
My main passion is to serve people and to worship and adore God. I love people of every age and race. I try to keep in touch with those who are unable to come to Church, through phone calls, visiting and, when possible, taking Holy communion to them.
When I was newly ordained as Curate I was asked to go into the Continuing Care facility in our parish, Minnie Kidd House, as the minister for Spiritual and Pastoral Care. This involved walking alongside the residents in their illnesses, being with families during bereavement, conducting funerals, and spiritual support for staff and families. At that time Minnie Kidd House was run by the Lambeth Trust. I also joined the Friends of Minnie Kidd House, the charity run by friends and families of the bereaved. They held yearly garden and Christmas parties for residents, families and staff. They also give financial support in areas that are not covered by the Trust.
About 15 years ago Minnie Kidd House was taken over by Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Trust and, wanting to continue my role at MKH, I went to be trained as Honorary Chaplain with the GSST Chaplaincy team. I used to do one day a week at St Thomas’ until the COVID-19 lockdown. During the lockdown Minnie Kidd was closed by GSST and I was asked to cover another of their wards in the community. It is a bit further away but it’s a pleasure to continue the ministry.
I have loved my ministry in the Diocese of Southwark over the past twenty five years. I was born and schooled in Jamaica and came to England in the sixties. My husband died 12 years ago, we have three sons, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Along with bringing up three sons, I worked with many different companies in a variety of finance roles. My last job before my retirement was with the Anglican Consultative Council.
After my retirement, I did a three year course in Spiritual Direction. We are trained to be good listeners, non-judgemental and no directive. Always a sacred secure space where we can accompany another one on their spiritual journey.
Ascension Balham is a very warm and welcoming Church. We are Christ focused with the conviction that we are all children of God. We are community conscious and outward looking. We have time and space for anyone who is seeking, the door is always open.
Receiving Bishop Christopher’s Lancelot Andrewes Award this July is truly humbling, and I am immensely thankful for the recognition of my ministry. This is a special moment in my life. God’s gracious blessing to you all.
