REVEREND JAMIE ALLEN & FAMILY
It was in November 2005 that Jamie & Suzie Allen
and their three daughters (now four), Danni, Carrie, Katie & Roxy arrived in
Great Cornard and what a great change they have made to our lives.
In the relatively short time he has been in
Great Cornard, amongst other things, Jamie has:
-
Called on every house in the community;
-
Made himself available to anyone in need
whether Christian or not;
-
Welcomed many new people into the
congregation;
-
Encouraged children by forming a fun choir
with special ‘Voice’ sweaters. The choir has frequently performed at
Sudbury and Great Cornard gatherings, including the Quay Theatre, Live on
Market Hill, Sudbury Christmas Tree carols etc.
-
Appointed a Music Pastor who organises both
Voice and Adult choirs, instrumental musicians and musical training
groups; inspired the formation of the local churches' Marriage Focus Group
which encourages couples to marry in church;
-
Organised many big fundraising events,
including fiddling on the roof (although he hates heights) to inaugurate
the beginning of the nave roof appeal - please notice the lovely renewed
roof now completed. (While he slept on the roof overnight his family
camped out inside the church to give him moral support.);
-
Started the Annual Duck Race on Sudbury Water
Meadows which has raised considerable funds and is a great fun event;
-
organised the purchase and refurbishment of
the Bannister Room which is used for Sunday School groups, Church group
meetings and some other community groups;
-
reorganised the church building to be more
user friendly;
-
organised the development of the south side
chapel for daily services and quiet prayer. This has incorporated a
beautiful new modern small altar;
-
encouraged the formation of groups to organise
both fundraising and social events where members of the congregation and
others can enjoy each other's company;
-
made St. Andrew's not only solvent but able to
finance big projects of maintenance and improvement and also to give to
others less fortunate;
-
brought his lovely family freely into the life
of Great Cornard - even providing the first vicarage baby for many years!
;
-
formed a Ministry Team who work closely
together including our Curate John, our Voluntary Priest, Readers and
Pastors;
-
re-opened the fortnightly Luncheon Club at the
Stevenson Centre;
-
Opened ‘Scallywags’ – a Mother & Toddler
group;
-
started a Youth Club for the young people of
Cornard on Sunday evenings during term time;
-
developed a Summer Holiday club - the last two
years, preparing for and performing "Musicals";
-
organised regular postcard drops to every
house in Great Cornard to inform people about what is going on at St.
Andrew's;
Jamie is a caring, generous and loving man, who
is admirably supported by his wife, has spread his message of care
throughout the Parish and Community. A dedicated and hard worker, he has
inspired others to work with him. He has done so much in such a short time.
We, and his family have definitely been blessed with a man of God.
We are now left with the challenge of carrying
on and developing the good work he has started He and his family will be
greatly missed, but we look forward to hearing how he makes his mark in New
Zealand. They will be blessed indeed!
8 November 2009
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