By Jenan Taylor
24 March 2022
Five clergy members and their families celebrated at a recent Valedictory Evensong marking the finish of their season of ministry.
The Reverends Penelope Charters, John Mathes, Robert McUtchen, Gail Pinchbeck and Clem Taplin attended the convivial service which was led by acting precentor the Reverend Kirsty Brown.
Ms Brown sang the prayers while family members also participated through the readings, Deuteronomy chapter 34 and 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2, respectively.
The choir sang an anthem and a prayer of intercession before Archbishop Philip Freier was invited to give thanks to God for the clergy members’ ministry. He presented them with certificates recognising their contribution to the life of the diocese and blessed them.
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Dr Freier also conferred the title of Archdeacon Emeritus upon Reverend Pinchbeck honouring her long service as Archdeacon of the Yarra.
George Herbert’s hymn King of Glory, King of Peace concluded the ceremony, and the clergy and their families enjoyed mingling and taking photographs with the archbishop.
Ms Brown said the members expressed deep appreciation for the acknowledgment of their ministry and were delighted at the ritual to commemorate it.
