...AND A FAREWELL FROM US!
In his final clergy article for ICN on page 1, the Revd Bernie Collins bids us farewell as he retires after almost 40 years in the ministry, the last six of those as Minister of Ickenham’s United Reformed Church. Here we pay our tribute in return; for during his time among us Bernie has indeed gained the affection of not only his own congregation but also that of St Giles’ and the general community.
Ordained in Birkenhead in 1974, his first pastoral position took him to the other side of the world; with his wife Gwen he spent 16 years in Papua New Guinea (PNG). For 11 years he was Circuit Superintendent Minister before being made a Bishop! That’s not quite the same sort of Bishop with which we are familiar here, but it did involve overseeing 250 churches with a total congregation of some 25,000. Bernie’s multi-tasking skills were put to good use, for as well as people’s spiritual health, he was concerned with their physical health, education, adult literacy, and youth work. He was even responsible for their saw mill!
Bernie and Gwen grew to love PNG, where communication was mainly in Pidgin English. They learned much about the local culture, appreciating that “There are different ways of life around the world and God welcomes all.”
After those 16 years in PNG, it was time for the family – now including daughters Meg and Jo, and son Tom - to move to England. In Bournemouth, at Winton URC, Bernie and Gwen undertook more conventional church life. “After PNG, we had to adapt to a totally different way of doing things”, Bernie said. “I had to get used to preaching in English for one thing.”
Ten years later and it was on to Yorkshire, this time to work in education and development for the Yorkshire Synod, before his final appointment in 2007 here in Ickenham, where those multi-tasking skills were again needed. The Ickenham URC minister’s post was a half time one, with Bernie also appointed to be Ecumenical Officer for Churches Together North Thames. This role involved reviewing partnerships between churches (the Covenant between the two Ickenham churches being a prime example of the sort of unity Bernie was keen to foster). He and Gwen set up home in High Wycombe where Gwen became minister of Trinity URC.
“I have been so happy here in Ickenham”, Bernie said. “My relationship with Adrian and Ken (Tombs) and the two churches together could not have been better. There’s so much going on in Ickenham and I’ve tried to attend as many events as possible to get to know the people. I’ve been very impressed with Ickenham Festival activities, Holiday Club and the number of musical events.” A favourite experience was the visit in 2012 of Bishop Wesis Porop from PNG. He and Bernie were able to visit the Festival together, and share a service in the URC.
And we have been so happy in return. For one thing, it has always felt like we were getting more than our expected ‘half a minister’, since Bernie’s commitment and dedication are so apparent in all he does. The effort he has made to link his sermons and talks to local community events and places has been impressive, and his appreciation of the efforts of others is an encouragement to all.
So a good send-off was the least he deserved, and that’s what took place at the URC on the weekend of the 18th / 19th May. On the Saturday, Gwen and other relatives, friends, and members of both churches were present to say a memorable goodbye. The programme, presented by Peter Williams, included specially composed hymns and songs, a short play and a tribute from Adrian. A “This is your life” feature, ably led by Keith Holland, and incorporating the traditional Red Book, gave a number of individuals the chance to reflect on aspects of Bernie’s life. Gifts were presented (as described in Bernie’s article) and a sumptuous buffet followed, with the chance to socialise further and thank Bernie for the many ways in which he has enriched the fellowship between us.
A final farewell occurred the next day, with further celebrations and praise as Bernie conducted his last Sunday morning service to a large congregation at the URC. In thanking everyone he said, “God is the One with whom we share, and thank for all these gifts.”
AFN
