Rev Eleanor with Miss Emma Fleming, Pastoral Assistant
On Sunday 28th June a very special service was held to mark the retirement of Rev Eleanor Hayden after 10 years as Superintendent Minister of the Omagh and Fintona Circuit. The church was packed with young and old from across the circuit with members of her own family occupying the first four rows.
Following a warm welcome the opening prayer was led by Aylmer McKinney from the Fintona church. Paul Hawkes (Mayne) and Reggie Mills (Togherdoo) read passages of scripture from Saint Matthew’s gospel and Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Rev Eleanor entertained the children with a story entitled “The Gospel in a Nutshell”. Prayers of Thanksgiving were led by Emma Fleming and the choir contributed to the service with three worship pieces.
Rev Eleanor’s valete address reflected her time on the circuit and the unwavering support she had enjoyed from all five churches. This had been manifested in a wide variety of contexts, which she summarised on the screen for all to see. Her love for the circuit it’s churches and people came across in many expressions of appreciation gratitude and praise. At the close she received a well-deserved standing ovation.
The special service ended with representatives from each of the churches on the circuit bringing forward final greetings and best wishes for a well-earned retirement. Lunch for 160 persons followed in the Peter Good Hall, efficiently served by Gordon and Barbara Moore, with time between courses for lively conversation. Rev Eleanor’s final act as minister was to cut a cake decorated to mark her retirement as Superintendent Minister.
