Almost twenty-five years to the day following Ordination, Rev. Dyllis led her final Holy Communion service at St. James’.
Checklist:
A beautiful summer’s day ✓
The Paschal candle flickering brightly next to the Baptismal font, adorned with a stunning floral tribute ✓
A display, with Rev. Dyllis at its heart shimmering at the back of church ✓
Plenty of friends, family and parishioners gathered in church ✓
Director of Music and a full choir with resounding organ accompaniment poised and ready to deliver a carefully curated musical programme ✓
Everything was in place for a glorious thanksgiving celebration of Dyllis’ exceptional ministry.
From the very start, it became abundantly clear that this was not going to be a run-of-the-mill service. Requests for a ‘no-fuss’ occasion had been respectfully ignored and a poem, entitled, ‘Phenomenal Minister, Friend, Woman’ (with thanks to Maya Angelou for the form of the poem) was read, taking Rev. Dyllis completely by surprise!
The challenging Gospel reading (Matthew 10: 24 – 39) focused on decisions we are all responsible for making and the inevitable risks they bring. Rev. Dyllis reflected on her decision to enter Priesthood, and the great joy, immense privilege and incomparable fulfilment that has brought her over the past twenty-five years. She spoke about how the generous love and support of her own family had enabled her to be shared with her church family and the local community.
Heartfelt prayers were offered for Dyllis, the local community, national and international issues.
Rev. Naomi spoke engagingly and passionately in her tribute to Dyllis. She thanked her for her faithful service, her devotion to ministry and for being the most wonderful priest to minister alongside.
Many thoughtful gifts were presented to Dyllis. The Children’s Sunday Club had crafted a very special thank you card, a beautiful bouquet of flowers was given and a book of letters entitled, ‘Dyllis…In Our Own Words’, written by parishioners was handed over, all with great love.
Two other special presentations were made within the service. Sandra was thanked and praised for her ten years’ service as Churchwarden and Peter was awarded a bespoke plaque from the Diocese of Blackburn in recognition of his outstanding work and contributions made to safeguarding, not only in the Over Wyre Benefice, but across the Diocese too.
Following the final hymn – ‘Christ triumphant, ever reigning’ which had been sung all those years ago when Dyllis was Ordained, everyone was invited to stay, raise a glass in gratitude for Dyllis and tuck into a feast of savoury nibbles and sweet treats.
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Once a priest, always a priest…we all wish Dyllis a joy-filled next chapter as she will undoubtedly continue to minister, care and support us all, just in a different context.
Phenomenal Minister, Friend, Woman
(With thanks to Maya Angelou for the form of the poem)
Dyllis Dickinson,
I wonder where her secret lies?
She doesn’t seek attention, or fill the room with sighs,
But when she is ministering,
I’m telling no lies.
I say…
It’s in the strength of her warmth, the love of her Lord,
The depth of her conviction
Which spills overboard.
She’s a minister,
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal minister,
That’s Dyllis.
She walks into any space, as positive as you please,
And every time
The congregation stands,
Or falls down on their knees,
I say,
It’s the sincerity of her smile,
And the humility in her eye,
The love she exudes,
And the joy just flies.
She’s a minister,
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal minister,
That’s Dyllis.
Her friends and her family
Have to agree,
She’s there when they need her,
And it’s no mystery,
Whatever Dyl does,
It’s done perfectly!
I say,
It’s the wisdom she shares, the goodness she leaks,
Which spills over to others
Whenever she speaks,
She’s a friend,
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal friend,
That’s Dyllis.
Now you understand just why she’s so cool,
She doesn’t shout, or jump about,
Or use sarcasm as her tool.
When Dyllis is in your life,
It makes you really proud.
I say,
It’s in her generous spirit,
Her love knows no bounds,
She inspires all around her,
Her joy does the rounds,
‘Cos she’s a woman,
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal woman.
That’s Dyllis.