St. Clare’s Church was packed to capacity last Sunday for the final Service conducted by Rev Linda Potter who retires to Harrogate this month.
It was a Celebration and Thanksgiving for her ministry in Great Aycliffe and an opportunity for parishioners to say farewell and reflect on the service given to the community over the last eight years.
The Service of Holy Communion contained music by the Church Choir and “Shine” the newly formed choir made up from members of various youth groups at St. Clares.
They sang with great confidence and the interelude included a farewell song specially written for Linda and her husband Norman.
Linda was keen to stress that her ministry was shared by her husband and it was a partnership. She spoke of the changes she made and the number of feathers she had ruffled in the process, but insisted her time at St. Clares had been memorable and she would carry the love and friendship for everyone in her heart.
Part of the Service was the dedication of “Stations of the Cross”, plaques donated to the Church and members of the congregation placed them on the walls.
Afterward the congregation of wellwishers moved into the hall for the usual high quality buffet tea provided by Church members. There was an opportunity for more speechmaking and presentations of gifts to Linda and Norman including a memento from the Mayor on behalf of Great Aycliffe Town Council. Another chapter has closed in the history of St. Clares and as the Rector leaves everyone will wonder who will replace her and what changes he or she will introduce. A 6 month interregnum is expected.
