Bishop's Medals Awarded

Last Updated on Saturday, 12 February 2011 20:19 Written by Caryl Forrest Saturday, 28 August 2010 18:32

Three dedicated and hardworking parishioners were awarded Bishop's Medals by Bishop Tom Brown at the Combined Service held on Sunday, 29 August, at 10 am.

April Bamford

A parishioner at St Matthew's for 50 years, April has served in almost every facet of parish life. She has served on the Vestry, been the People's Warden, been the parish Synod Representative, and is Convenor of the parish Prayer Line.

She is also a Licensed Lay Minister, a Cursillo team member, and member of the Evensong Choir.

April contributes in no small way to the smooth running of both St Matthew's 8 am congregation and St Andrew's in the Paddock, including leading worship.

Her determination and superb project management and fundraising skills was in large part responsible for the magnificent Rodgers Trillium organ in St Matthew's, and engagement of several of the world's finest organists to take part in the ongoing Music at St Matthew's organ music series.

Read the Bishop's Citation here.

Jenny Hoby

Since moving to the Wairarapa in 1990, Jenny played the organ for St Andrew's at Upper Plain for the monthly services, and was for many years the sole organist. Jenny also chose the hymns. When the congregation grew at St Andrew's, Jenny's contribution increased.

Jenny also played when required at Tauweru and at St Matthew's.

At the same time Jenny has played for rest home services for many years, as well as playing for services in other denominations.

Now in her seventies, Jenny finds it more difficult to play for services, but remains committed to playing for rest homes and as a standby organist at St Andrew's.

Read the Bishop's Citation here.

Mary Perkins

Since returning to St Matthew's in 1993, Mary has undertaken hospital visits with the reserved sacrament, home communions, and has been a visitor at Glenwood Private Hospital, Khandahar, Lyndale Rest Home and Metlife Care Village.

Mary was a Licensed Liturgical Assistant, and assisted with leading the opening ministry, administering the chalice and doing the readings at both the 8 am and 10 am services.

Of her own volition, Mary also acted as Sacristan, and that role was formally acknowledged by the vestry.

Mary attends the mid-week service as Sacristan, but not being as mobile as she once was, she wants to remain of service to the parish, but at a more sedate pace.

Mary is integral to St Matthew's, a much-loved spirit, and someone we are glad to have among us.

Read the Bishop's Citation here.