Last Updated: 03-Feb-2005

Reverend Fred Brodie retired at the end of June 2003 from Christ Church and Saint Peters benefice after eight years in Mountsorrel.   His last service took place at Christ Church on Sunday 15 June when the congregation was swelled by well wishers. 

Wendy and Mike Ferguson hosted a Barbecue/Garden Party, in honour of Fred and Ellen Brodie on Saturday 21 June.   Around a hundred of their friends attended and shared in this splendid occasion where appreciation took the form of words, poetry and song written in tribute.   All expressed much gratitude for the kindness and guidance they had received over the past eight years, which for the young people was a large part of their lives.

In his presentation speech, Edmund Stacey said that Fred and Ellen had come to Mountsorrel as strangers but were now leaving us as friends.   That Fred had seen many changes during his eight years service but had left both churches better than he found them.   Fred and Ellen were formally presented with a greenhouse, cheque, flowers and various items to provide memories of the Parish for two special people.   Edmund ended with the thought that Goodbye was an abbreviation which really meant ‘God be with you’.

Fred and Ellen will be much missed by many people in Mountsorrel and our good wishes go with them as they move from the village.

“Thank You!” from Fred.

Words are hardly adequate to express the depth of our gratitude for the wonderful ‘send-off’ given by the people of both churches. My last service on June 15th was, with the help of all our musicians and singers, a wonderful celebration of praise and worship as we affirmed our faith together under the banner of Trinity Sunday (and the Stepping Stones’ beautiful banner). It was good to see so many people in church and the service focused for us eight years of good memories in Christ Church and Saint Peter’s that will stay with us for years to come.

We were warmly moved by that service but overwhelmed by the ‘Quiet Farewell Do’ on the following Saturday. Our sincere thanks to Mike and Wendy for hosting the evening and to all who helped with preparations and food. It was a fantastic party. It was good to have so many people there of all ages (must have been more than a hundred), representing church and community. I could not have asked for a better or more memorable farewell.

After the Stepping Stones’ Banner, I had a lovely illustrated card from Pathfinders and CYFA presented us with a vocal rendering of their poem which now sits framed on the study wall. I also want to complete my appreciation of the Youth Groups by saying ‘thank you’ to First Steps for their card and gift of a magnolia bush.

I have had so many cards expressing good wishes and the Churches’ cash gift is warmly appreciated. The greenhouse and garden furniture are now ordered and together will make our new home complete. We were also very touched and grateful earlier in the year for an anonymous gift which has provided the patio and base for the greenhouse – so all is ready for some serious gardening! Thank you again to everyone.

Thinking of gifts, and looking back over my time in Mountsorrel, I reflect on the words that came as part of the Stepping Stones’ gift…. “There are special people who touch my lives in a certain way and having known them, I will never be the same…” For us the lasting gift is that of having known you all, sharing a part of your journey. I continue now in my prayers to ask that God will bless you abundantly in your walk with him, in your homes, your work and collectively as a community and church united in Christ. Borrowing Saint Paul’s words……

“I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you with joybecause of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 1:3 You may like to read on….

The final word is Edmund’s who reminded us on Saturday that Goodbye is really an abbreviated form of ‘God be with you.’

Thank you.
Fred Brodie
 

I can truly say ‘amen’ to all Fred has written, and add my thanks to his. The flowers given to me are so beautiful and greatly appreciated by us and all who have called to our home this week. Thank you for the thoughtful gesture.

This is a very special time for us and has involved looking back and looking forward while enjoying the present moment. Recently a verse of Scripture came to my attention; It’s St. Paul’s words in Colossians 1 verses 10-11(from The Message – The Bible in contemporary language 
‘ We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth, but the glory-strength God gives. It is the strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful He has for us’ This would be my testimony to God’s faithfulness and love over the past 8 years; not just for myself but as a thank you and encouragement to all who have allowed me to share their many personal journeys. Some have been fun but many have been at times of great pain and distress and it has been humbling to have been there with you.
May you and I, as we continue on our individual journeys, know that strength of the Father, experience the joy, and always enjoy His great gifts to us. 

Ellen Brodie