Sitting Down Service for Rev. Julie Letts

Sitting Down Service for Rev. Julie Letts

Over 150 family, friends and work colleagues old and new, joined together on Sunday 13 July at Hathersage Methodist Church to share in a Sitting Down Service for Rev Julie Letts.

Julie had chosen some wonderful hymns, songs and readings for this occasion – all reminders of her Ministry over past years – and various colleagues/friends participated throughout the worship in a variety of ways.

Rev Louise Petheram, Priest-in-Charge of Hope, Castleton and Bradwell led the opening prayers, with Hazel Ashmore (Julie's prayer partner) leading the prayers of thanksgiving for Julie's Ministry.

There were contributions from young members of Hathersage Sunday club and Messy Church, including a Bible reading, with Circuit Stewards Tom Donoghue and Sue Souch leading a Call to Worship based on 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and John 15 v.1-17 read by Deacon Lorraine Brown, Peak Park Rural Development Officer.

Very meaningful tributes were paid by Rev Joe Lightfoot Adams (the Minister from Julie's sending church and support Minister at her Ordination), followed by Jacquelene Seel (from Churchill, Somerset Mendip Circuit – Julie's previous appointment). The final tributes came from Vikki and Richard (Julie's son and daughter).

Gifts were presented by Heather Thomas on behalf of the Circuit Stewards and some Circuit Churches. Other Churches had previously taken their own opportunity to thank Julie as she preached for the final time with them in the previous weeks.

The Sermon was brought by Rev Gill Newton, Chair of the Sheffield District, who told those gathered that she too would be celebrating in a similar way a week later – as she moved to a new job – and talked about how, in some way, we are all constantly moving through life from one stage to another.

Both Julie and Malcolm (Julie's husband and a Circuit Steward/Treasurer) responded to the gifts, thanking all for attending and supporting them on this occasion. They said the service will hold very special memories for them in the future as they start a brand new chapter in their lives – and a video depicting Psalm 139, created by Julie in her student ministry days, was chosen by them and played.

In true Methodist tradition, tea, cakes and fellowship were shared after the service – and thanks must go to Hathersage Methodist Church members for organising the venue, stewarding and refreshments.