Christ Church saw a unique event on the evening of Thursday 14th
June when Terry Bunn, lay chair of Walsall deanery for 27 years, was
presented with a 'Bishop's Citation' in recognition of this and of
his faithful service on Diocesan Synod, on many diocesan committees
and as a Church warden.
The deanery had celebrated Terry's 25th anniversary of this lay
ministry but the diocese wanted to recognise formally his
contribution with a citation , sealed with the episcopal seal. This
presentation was at the centre of a service of thanksgiving and
celebration held at Christ Church.
Some 360 people came to the service including representatives from
local community organisations. We were delighted that Bishop Clive ,
of Wolverhampton, led the service and gave the address. Bishop
Jonathan Gledhill and his wife Jane arrived and Bp Jonathan read and
presented the citation in recognition of distinguished lay service.
Bishop Michael Bourke accompanied by his wife Liz came too . It is
possible to name the three bishops in attendance but clearly
impossible to record all those clergy and people who came to
celebrate the occasion here: everyone signed a visitors' book on
arrival, so Terry has that information!
A 'This is your Life' interlude provided an insight into the scale
and good humour of Terry's commitment as a layman in the Church of
England. Tributes included those from Jeffrey Arnold, Keith and
Marion Masters, Hazel Bloxham [ from W Bromwich deanery], Bp.
Jonathan and Jane Gledhill, and Bp Mike and Liz Bourke. Fr Colin
Gibson spoke in verse [!] and finally Terry's brother Ray spoke
movingly for Terry's family.
A scrapbook recording these and other tributes and momentos had been
beautifully prepared by Michaela, and this too was presented to Terry.
Reference was made, of course, to Terry's Franciscan spirituality
and, in keeping with this, the hymns included 'All creatures of our
God and King' and 'Make me a channel of your peace'. Also in keeping
with Franciscan [and Christ Church] tradition a marvellous feast
followed the service where everyone moved happily between Church and
hall in continued celebration.
The evening was a high point. It reflected Terry's contribution to
Church life, it was an uplifting and prayerful occasion and it was a
party - something Terry is good at!!
The rural dean, Jenny Hill told us that the diocese may have
established a precedent in giving the citation in recognition of lay
service. If more citations are awarded in Lichfield and other
dioceses then we can be sure that Terry's service- in all senses -was
a worthy 'first'.
