Farewell to Reuben and Lucy
21st March 2004Speeches
Read the following:Peter's speech
Anne's speech
Ashley's speech
Carol's poem
Peter Williams
Who would have thought, just over four years ago, when what appeared to be a raw youth, hair all over the place, probably still nursing a few bruises from a day’s surfing, nervous as only a 24-year-old could be standing in front of his new cure – who would have thought that in four short years he could make such a difference to our church and our community.
We are going to sing his praises for years to come, I feel, because his impact has been so profound. His departure is going to cause some problems. One immediate one that I can see, is that we are going to have to push the photographs in the rogues’ gallery in the foyer closer together to make room for the next one, or put the next one on the far wall, all on its own. However, that’s for later.
I suppose my interaction with Reuben has been mainly in the management and administration area, working with him on Parish Council and in the office. And the thing that has really impressed me – and many others – are his leadership skills. And these are not the result of long years of experience (he hasn’t had any!), or of long and arduous study for his B.Com. It’s a natural, God-given talent.
I well remember soon after his arrival here, working in his office on a Tuesday morning, he got a message to say that the ladies in the embroidery group would like to meet him. So, unhesitating, he went into the Fellowship room, and chatted to them for half an hour. He was their junior by at least 40 years, but by the time he got back to his office, he had acquired a dozen or so ardent girl friends, who later made him a beautiful stole.
Leadership involves good delegation of responsibility. It’s one of the hardest parts of leadership, and something Reuben has been learning while he has been here. Soon after he arrived, he asked Douglas to Chair the Parish Council – so that he could attend to other things. Lately, he has been a strong advocate of a system of Working Groups acting in cooperation with Parish Council, again so that his time could be better spent. And we all know how his leadership, inspiration, and reliance on the work of others in the whole area of Youth Ministry has started a new focus, within the Parish, and in a strong outreach through the Orphans of Nepal.
And now he is off to other challenges. He is going to exercise the skills he brought here with him, and those that he has learnt here, in other places. Starting with Wales. And there he will work with a congregation containing people with names like Jones, and Davies, and Williams. He will hardly feel he has left home! But wherever he goes, and whatever he does, we all know that Reuben and Lucie, and the little Hardie yet to arrive will always be held safe in the palm of God’s hand.
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Anne Manchester
Looking back on a four-year roller coaster ride
Being asked to offer some words of thanks and farewell to you, Reuben and Lucy, on behalf of the congregation is quite a responsibility. The best I can do is to speak from my own experience in the hope this will ring true for others.
Our four years together has been a wonderful journey, a time of growing together and walking alongside each other in our mutual quest to live out our faith and communicate its essence -- love for God and love for each other -- to the best of our abilities.
These four years have been quite a roller coaster ride, have they not, with never a dull moment? We've shared so much together – your first baptisms, funerals, weddings, your own marriage to Lucy, our centennial. You came here straight from the theological hall in Dunedin , full of energy and enthusiasm, and I guess some trepidation, for the new role you were to fill. We were delighted to have, as our minister, the youngest Presbyterian minister in New Zealand , a claim that has yet to be challenged I understand. Of course we were taking a risk too, but it did not take long for us to realise how lucky we were to have you join us, providing us with gentle, nurturing leadership and a wisdom beyond your years.
I will never forget, shortly after your arrival, the time I gave a children's talk. It was so encouraging for me to see you take your place on the step, along with the children, and to have you listen to me as intently as I think and hope they were. Sitting alongside me on the step like that has become a symbol for me of your ministry here in Eastbourne . You have sat alongside and walked alongside us all, nurturing us as Christians and as the whole and healthy human beings we all aspire to become.
And your "being alongside" has not just been reserved for the members of St Ronan's. You have taken those gifts out beyond the confines of the church into the wider community, walking alongside the volunteer firemen, the rugby club players, the Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupers. You have affirmed people from all walks of life in this community and shared with them your zest for life, your infectious smile and appetite for fun, your integrity and warmth. In the process you have set a new standard for ministry at St Ronan's. I'm sure there are many in the community who feel they should be represented on the committee charged with finding your replacement. They would want to ensure we choose someone who will continue to foster those strong connections between St Ronan’s, the other churches and the wider community that they and we have come to value so dearly.
I have spoken to several people recently who have told me how you have made the church relevant again for them, when it had begun to seem just a tired old institution. You made real for them the connections between the search for God and their daily lives, and many found themselves drawn back to the church, unwilling to miss any of your sermons and our wonderful welcoming services. Whenever I have missed a service, I have inevitably met someone a few days later who has told me what a wonderful event I had missed and how foolish I had been not to be there. Thank goodness for the St Ronan's website and the chance to catch up on some of those memorable words.
We will never forget your creativity and originality Reuben. Images of you cart wheeling down the centre aisle dressed as a clown or raging through the church as John the Baptist dressed in sacking are etched on our memories. There were the many unusual props that have made their way into the pulpit with you, from bowls of breakfast cereal to pitchers of water and an electric blender. In fact, I’m sure just about the whole of the kitchen sink has made it into the pulpit or the church at some point or another over the past four years. Then of course there are those famous bloopers of yours, the most memorable being your reference to Lucy and the Angel Gabriel last Christmas – prophetic words indeed!
Your achievements have been many: your vision for young people and work with Jono Ryan and other members of the congregation to get new youth programmes underway, your commitment to St Ronan's becoming a real centre of the community, your work with the elderly and support for the Mainly Music programme, your encouragement of parish council and help with developing its working groups. Your vision for the future is clear. We will take that gulp you referred to in your sermon this morning – your last with us – and continue to work to its fulfillment, trusting in God’s providence.
Thank you once again Reuben and God's blessings on you and Lucy as you leave us for new challenges and new adventures. We will never forget these past four years.
Ashley Bloomfield
I'm told that I am speaking on behalf of the younger people, but I'm not
sure why - although in addition to my wife Libby, I know some young people, so perhaps that's why I was asked.
I thought I would reflect on what the younger and probably not so young people of Eastbourne saw in Reuben during his time here. I'm sure my observations will ring true with many of you.
We saw someone who has energy, enthusiasm, a positive attitude, a generous sense of humour, tenacity, was thoughtful and who thought a lot, encouraged others and (possibly above all) was non-judgmental.
This was someone making a clear statement about his faith on a daily basis, but completely 'in touch' with and at home in the world.
Someone who knows God, but rode a skateboard and surfboard; had at various times long hair and stubble, short hair and a beard, and variations in between; played rugby with the best of them (and will be sorely missed by the Eastbourne 80-80s team; gave life to the Bard; sang and dances on stage in a purple suit; watched rugby at the Lifeboat; ran marathons; played poker; broke a few hearts (including members of the Eastbourne Embroidery Group by all accounts); connected with adults and children alike; and got into sticky situations and got others out of them.
Someone with impeccable good taste, as evidenced by the coffee machine in his kitchen, his music collection (especially Bob Dylan), his taste for single malt whiskey, his attire on Thursday evenings; and ultimately exemplified in his choice of wife.
Someone who fell in love, got married in a whirlwind and (although he tells me he doesn't know how it happened) will soon be a wonderful father.
Two comments made to me recently illustrate the impact that Reuben has had on Eastbourne. The first, from a neighbour who is not a churchgoer, that he and 'connected the church to the community'. Secondly, a friend who noted - and here is the challenge for those charged with finding a replacement for Reuben - that 'it will be important to find the right replacement for Reuben, because he's got a quite a few people coming to church that wouldn't otherwise come'.
Thus, we had someone who helped make St Ronan's and indeed Eastbourne a place where people can belong. Thank you Reuben, on behalf of the younger and not so young people for what you've done for us and what you have inspired us to do.
Finally, Reuben and Lucy are going to be missed by many people in
Eastbourne and beyond, but there are two blokes who are particularly
bereft. The remaining two Trevs are not sure whether to retire at the peak of their achievement, which admittedly never reached very lofty heights' or recruit a replacement. We do have someone in mind, young Dan Caddy who some of you may have seen on the spoons as the unofficial 4th Trev at some of our performances. Dan turned 21 on Saturday and received a guitar for his birthday. He doesn't know how to play it, but that hasn't stopped us in the past.
So Reuben, here's the final verse from the 2 Trevs.
"When the Welsh have beat the All Blacks, and it's the 700th boast
Or the train you're on to London has just given up the ghost
Or you're sick of Belgian Biscuits and you'd love a Sunday roast
Well don't worry mate, she'll be right.
She'll be right, mate, she'll be right
Don't worry mate she'll be right
You can always just remember you'll be back here in December
So don't worry mate she'll be right."
Carol Pringle
Go Reuben Grow
Four years ago he came to us,
With fresh theology degree.
His task to lead St. Ronan’s Church,
In Eastbourne by the sea,
He came so young
With long hair swinging,
With Bible and surfboard and faded jeans.
His love for his Lord was plain to see,
His love for God’s people like you and me.
His desire to serve Him the best that he could,
And live that love as a Christian should.
With youthful zeal he encompassed life.
Our community saw his talents run rife.
He answered the call of the Fire Brigade,
A willing and able volunteer he made.
He stepped into roles with Butterfly Creek,
And acted on stage with poise and mystique.
A young man of talent, we loved what we saw,
Was there anything, anything, ANYTHING more?
Oh yes, there was rugby, that passionate game,
The Eastbourne team just won’t be the same,
With no young Rev in the thick of it all.
And on Sunday after a vital game,
Seeing our Rev. moving slowly in pain.
A community man he is, to be sure,
But most of all, he’s heeding God’s call.
His sermons are full of thoughts that provoke
And encourage us all to be much better folk.
He can take something simple and use it to show
A new way of looking at something we know.
Then it happened!! Eastbourne ’s not finished yet.
Our Reuben and Lucy Robinson met.
You know the story, It had us all smiles.
Reuben’s love for his Lucy stood out a mile.
So now it’s Reuben and Lucy his wife,
Who leave us to follow God’s call in their life.
Our love and our prayers go with you both.
His love and strength will guide you through.
Life is a journey. The way is mapped out.
You don’t go alone:- your God is about.
We say to you both:- “Although we’re apart,
Always keep a little Eastbourne in your heart”.
Go Hardies, Grow!