Sunday 26th May saw Carol Murray conduct her final services in Haddenham ahead of her formal retirement at the end of May, after 20 years as Minister at Haddenham-cum-Dinton Baptist Church.
As well as her key role within the Baptist church family Carol has become very loved and admired member of the whole village community. Among her many other contributions, Carol has been an active supporter of CTIH (Churches Together in Haddenham) and a regular visitor to the local schools, Abbeyfield and Bartlett's Residential home. She is also a Governor of Haddenham Community Infant School.
Carols Ministry in Haddenham was shared with Regent's Park College in Oxford for the first 18 years, where she was a Lecturer in Pastoral Studies, involved in Ministerial Formation. Between 2002 and 2003 she was President of the Baptist Missionary Society (now known as BMS World Mission) and is still on their board of Trustees. Carol is widely travelled, having visited many countries, including India, Poland, Mexico, Brazil, Angola and South Africa, and she attends meetings for Women-in-Ministry both in the UK and Europe.
Many new initiatives have come about under Carol's Ministry including Thursday Club, Crafty Kids Club, Carol's group and Chilin Club, Christingle services for the schools and the very popular "hands-on" crib service on Christmas eve. Carol also introduced the weekly morning prayer meeting, an annual Service of Remembrance for those who have died, and regular services at Abbeyfield and Bartlett's.
A few facts and figures
During the 20 years, Carol has conducted in the region of:
- 8 Believer Baptisms
- 50 Blessings & Dedications
- 40 Weddings, and
- over 100 funerals
Carol is held in warm affection by so many in Haddenham. Her commitment to the Church and to the community has been our gain, and we are delighted that she has decided to remain living in the village in her retirement.
