The amazing service and dedication of volunteers from church communities was celebrated in Marlborough this week, the first of three events to be held across the Diocese of Salisbury.
Churches were asked to nominate up to two volunteers for a celebration and a thank you. 45 volunteers and their friends were invited to attend the first celebration in St Mary's Marlborough in Volunteers Week, led by the Bishop of Ramsbury, Andrew Rumsey.
He said, "You are the Diocese of Salisbury. The Diocese of Salisbury has no existence beyond its churches, so thank you, Diocese of Salisbury, for your service and labour, for your love for the Church and your dedicated service over so many years; it is deeply appreciated. To God be the glory, now and in the Church to come."
Many of those honoured had served their local church for decades - among them organists, churchwardens and PCC members.
Evelyn and Chris Grant from Urchfont were both nominated. Their nomination - captured on their certificate - gives a flavour of the wonderful commitment and faithfulness of volunteers.
It reads: "Chris and Evelyn Grant have served our church together for many years. Chris has been a long-serving churchwarden, bellringer and sacristan and regularly reads and leads prayers in services. He has helped to maintain the church, befriended, visited and provided transport for so many people.
Evelyn has served on our village Mothers' Union Committee as Secretary or Leader for over forty years. She has been Deanery Chairman and served on the Diocesan Mothers' Union Board of Trustees, maintaining contact with our indoor members across the Diocese. She has been an unassuming, dedicated and generous Lay Pastoral Assistant, always willing to help whenever she is needed. She has been responsible for organising refreshments for a variety of parish events, fetes, harvest suppers, etc. It would be lovely for their dedication to be more widely recognised!"
Evelyn said, “I just enjoy helping others, and visiting them – anything that is required that I can do to make their days better.”
Church of England volunteers devote over 23 million hours each month across the country to community action, over and above their church activities.
Watch the highlights video and see more photos from the evening below.
