It was with much sadness that we heard of the death of Mary Rose, one of our long serving Lay Preachers. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mary’s family and the congregation at St Paul’s Co-operating Parish, Putaruru.
New Zealand Lay Preachers’ Association (NZLPA) records suggest that Mary first started as a Lay Preacher in 1980, and a Methodist Lay Preachers Certificate was issued to her in 1992. Her upbringing in British Methodism was reflected in her approach to worship and fitted well with her Anglican-Methodist congregation. Mary is remembered for her sincerity, her commitment and practical approach to life and ministry.
Mary served as President of the NZLPA when the Executive Committee was based in the Waikato-Waiariki from 2004 – 7. As Putaruru was a central location for the Committee, the Executive met there regularly and appreciated the hospitality which Mary and the Parish offered for these meetings. They always concluded with Chinese takeaways and wide-ranging conversations over meals together. During her time in office, the NZLPA committee offered a few Lay Preacher training days each year and again the hospitality at St Paul’s and its convenient location were appreciated. Mary and then NZLPA Secretary Viv Whimster attended the final meeting of the Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005 in Porirua, as representatives of one of the few parachurch groups to work ecumenically. Mary travelled to Christchurch to represent the Executive and hand over the reins to the Canterbury Lay Preachers in early 2008.
Mary continued to be active for as long as she was able, and we acknowledge with gratitude her many years of faithful ministry as a Lay Preacher.
Thank you for this lovely tribute to our mother, Mary Rose.
This will be printed in her memorial book.
Thank you Helen – it is not original with us, we reposted what was sent to the wider Methodist Church community.
And thank you for sharing your mother with us. Peter (webmaster)