MEETING MARION
Marion McNeill’s name has been appearing in ICN a lot recently. She has been taking a leading role in a number of worship services at the URC, specifically the Mothering Sunday event, morning worship on Palm Sunday, and in the joint churches’ Good Friday service. She also shared with Bernie in leading the prayers during the Walk of Witness.
Marion is a Student Lay Preacher who is coming to the end of a six-month placement with Ickenham URC - which then completes her three year Lay Preacher Training Programme. She will then return to her home church, St Andrews URC in Ealing.
“Four of us from the St Andrews congregation decided to undertake this programme to become Lay Preachers” explained Marion. “Our own Minister is due to retire next year and there is a possibility that there won’t be a full-time replacement. So we decided that we could help during what is likely to be a challenging time for us all.”
Before taking early retirement in December 2010, Marion was Head of Student Admissions at the University of London - International Programmes. Since then, she has had more time to devote to her studies, as well as being a full-time carer to her husband.
Marion has much enjoyed being in Ickenham and found Bernie and the URC Elders very supportive. “I can’t speak too highly of the help and guidance I have been privileged to enjoy during my time here”, she says, “and I have greatly benefited from the experience.” We wish her every success back in Ealing – but be sure to return to see us often, Marion!
