On Sunday 22nd July the Tynedale Circuit gathered at Corbridge Methodist Church to say farewell to Rev. Jane Cook as she comes to the end of her ministry in the Tynedale Circuit and prepares to move to the Sunderland Circuit.
Jane has served in Tynedale for 8 years initially having pastoral care of Wylam and Stocksfield Methodist Churches as a probationer minister and more recently having pastoral charge of Wylam, Riding Mill and Corbridge. Jane's ministry of pastoral care, mission and leading of worship has been widely appreciated by her congregation and the Circuit as a whole. Jane's ministry in the Circuit encouraging worship leaders, speaking to the Circuit meeting and working closely with colleagues was also remembered warmly at the service.
During her time in the Circuit Jane has been involved with the building projects at Wylam and Stocksfield where she has helped the congregations to think about how they will use they their new buildings for mission.
The service was led by Rev. Paul Dunstan, the Circuit Superintendent, the preacher was the Rev. Marian Olsen from the Barnsley Circuit who was previously a minister in Tynedale and Jane's assisting minister at her ordination. The music was led by the worship band from Wylam Methodist Church and David Kilner on the organ. Thanks for Jane's ministry were given by her Churches and prayers led by Sandra Martin the Senior Circuit Steward.
Marian preached on the story of Jesus walking on the water and how as followers of Jesus there are times when we feel more comfortable with the idea of staying in the boat, but to be true disciples we each need to take the risk and step out of the boat into the uncomfortable waters as Jesus calls us to walk with him.