Saying goodbye to our minister Rev. Andrew Sterling and family ..... and welcome to Rev. Ros Watson

The congregations of Dufton, Kings Meaburn and Warcop chapels were represented as we came together on the Sunday morning 27^th July to say ‘Farewell’ to Rev Andrew Sterling, his wife Amy and their children, Isaac, Aidan, Euan and Abigail, as they move on to a new ministry in Ponteland.

Our ‘Farewell to Rev Andrew’ weekend had begun with a lively Ceilidh on the Friday evening which was well attended and very enjoyable. All ages were in evidence and some good fun ensued, especially during ‘Strip the Willow’! A humorous ‘Ode to the Sterlings’ was well received to which, on behalf of Amy and the children, Rev Andrew responded with the first of a series of ‘Farewells’ over the weekend.

The service on the following Sunday morning was – as usual - warm and welcoming as Rev Andrew reviewed his time in Appleby, saying he had come here straight from college: how he hoped he had learned much and been of service, and acknowledged how much all the family had enjoyed their time here. ‘It will be hard to leave, but new experiences await’. In his sermon he brought together the recent themed preaching of ‘the Fruit of the Spirit’ saying we are all challenged to live these out in our daily lives. After the service, the 4 children – who have been very much a part of the church family - were each presented with a gift.

In the evening, the church was full with friends from all over the area and beyond who came together in a service which included some more contemporary worship songs as well as a number of traditional hymns, chosen by Rev Andrew. The Youth Club Band surprised him with a musical tribute which was very much appreciated by the large congregation with prolonged applause. An Ecumenical greeting was brought by Rev Andrew Burrell acknowledging the work they had done together. Rev Stephen Radford preached and Jim Walker did ‘sterling’ work on the keyboard and organ. After the service, the family were presented with a carved wooden bear from the Eden Valley – a loving gift which was appreciated by all them all. Everyone came together over refreshments afterwards – the whole service was a fitting end to a ministry in Appleby and a springboard for the future.

We are looking forward to the arrival of our new minister, Rev Ros Watson and will have a chance to meet her on September 3^rd at 11am as she takes a Mid-Week Communion Service.