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It was five years ago Hope church was born
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I’m sure it was a far from easy task
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and Michael, like a father
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a new church and the Circuit.
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heard the call to give us help and support
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(Michael said himself, not so long ago,
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but he was just a starter
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“Not one of us is perfect).
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as a Superintendent, could he cope
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He has well survived the experience
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with all the mixed up feeling
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a steep curve for his learning;
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that could jeopardise the growth of Hope,
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but once his hand was put to the plough,
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the church that needed healing?
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our man was not for turning.
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3
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Who was this ‘presbyter’? … not musical
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4
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There Caroline made them a family.
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but knowledgeable for sure.
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Then they heard the call of the west
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African Studies his choice of degree,
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where Helen was born, now the family’s four,
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Wesley College – and much more –
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Bristol fashion at its best!
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all to be one of Wesley’s preachers.
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And so to Northampton and Daventry
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In Cambridgeshire, his first station,
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an essential requirement?
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he and Mary began married life,
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for the challenge of Nene Valley
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a life of dedication. |
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Circuit, before well-earned retirement. |
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5
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I wonder how he found time for the work
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There would be pastoral duties here and there,
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with all the Circuit churches;
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and of course the family ties
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piles of paper work, and financial graft,
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with grandchildren three, and kittens two,
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and then each Sunday service?
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giving everyone exercise.
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So memory lapses are understood;
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Would you believe the little kittens
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strange choice of hymns forgiven.
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might have been called Ock and Dough.
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At times the organist would have them late
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But flower names were chosen in the end
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(forgive the criticism). |
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so fun names had to go! |
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7
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Parents sometimes choose strange names
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Five years have gone. Almost unbelievable.
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when it comes to christening;
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What will we all remember
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but was there need to bump the little head
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as you and Mary move to Bournville
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when baby wasn’t listening?
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and we come to September?
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Christening is the first rite of passage,
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There will be usual run of things
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a memorable occasion,
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the church’s year. Life’s cycle
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like your Ruby Day, or Sue and Graham’s
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and personal memories we will hold dear
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Silver celebration. |
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of Mary and her Michael. |
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9
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The little black book for all age worship
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A series of membership classes
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with its anecdotes and questions;
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for the small group proved to be
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the benediction of Communion
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a time of deep family fellowship,
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challenging while blessing.
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and male camaraderie.
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We will remember the comfort you gave
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The love feasts too have made their mark;
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to those who were distressed
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a different way of worship.
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in hospital, home or a Healing Service
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(A new idea? Were they just at Hope
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where such troubles were addressed. |
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or spread around the Circuit?) |
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11
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Hope’s Middle Voices (HMV) now are heard,
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Why didn’t I follow Michael’s example
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their programme good and varied.
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to ensure all matters are covered
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Who saw the need and founded the group?
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by asking for any A.O.B.
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None other than our Mary.
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before I had discovered,
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She helps Michael keep up appearances when,
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this tribute to our friends is long enough
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fulfilling an appointment,
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but, though it’s far from perfect,
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his hair and collar, etc, set just so,
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I have left enough room to say, “Thank God
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avoiding Mary’s disappointment. |
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you both came to this Circuit.” |
