The Rev'd Jill Garfitt 

For those who weren’t present at one of our Gatherings on Sunday, Paul made the following announcement:

Dear friends,
 
Although it will not come as a great surprise to members of the church family, I am saddened to have to let you know that Jill went home to be with her Lord on Friday (27 April). Her passing was peaceful and we take comfort from our confidence that she is now free from suffering and safe with Christ.
 
Jill was a committed member of our church family for many years, a PCC member and later church warden, a role she held alongside her work with ‘Open Doors’, with whom she travelled the world, encouraging and supporting those being persecuted for their faith.
 
Bishop Mike ordained her in November 2016 and she served at the heart of our staff and leadership teams until her illness made that impossible. She was a simply wonderful friend and colleague, admired and loved for her wisdom, insight and compassion – and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her, worked with her and was mentored by her.
 
Above all, she was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, and our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Barry, their sons Alex, Ben & Ross, and their families …
 
We are planning a service of Thanksgiving for Jill, which will most likely take place in early June, and will circulate details of that in due course.
 
Love and prayers
 
Paul