Posted on Jul 2, 2023 by Shera Payne
As well as celebrating the beginning of the 2023 Allesley Festival at All Saints’ Church, and the crowning of the Allesley Festival Royalty at the service, we also said farewell to Rev Lizzy Holland and her family.
The 10am Family Service was a joyous occasion filled with bunting and balloons. Rev Lizzy said her last farewell to All Saints’ congregation and the community which was tinged with sadness and laughter.
We have been blessed at All Saints’ to have had a dedicated Rector who will be truly missed.
We pray God’s blessing on the family as they start their new life in Liverpool, where Lizzy’s husband Mitch will soon start his new job.
Lizzy’s Farewell Letter
Goodbye to Allesley
I want to finish today by offering my thanks and words of goodbye.
Firstly, I want to say thank you for all that this time has been with me as
the Rector of All Saints. It has been a privilege to love and serve the
Lord here and the people of this community. I want to take the
opportunity to celebrate the new things we have tried together, the
experiences of the Holy Spirit we have shared, the relationships built,
the way we have grown in the knowledge and love of Jesus, the times of
community joy, the special occasions we have shared and the people
I’ve had the delight of journeying with as they have discovered new
callings, gifts and passions. For those who have loved the Holland
family, supported us on the ups and downs, encouraged and cared for
us, I offer my sincere and humble gratitude. I am so thankful for all that
the Lord has done here and for the community we have shared.
For the mistakes I’ve made in my time, the things I have got wrong, I
hope you will extend me grace and forgiveness. For the things I’ve done
that have been right, I hope you will keep them as part of the culture
and practice of this church and see the work of the Holy Spirit amongst
you.
For the last 3 years, this place has been home for us as a family. I
am particularly grateful that this has been a place where our girls
have been so comfortable, where they have grown in confidence
and faith (especially after being covid babies), and where they have
experienced love in community. These have been foundational
years for them in experiencing church and I will forever be thankful
that these years have meant they delight in coming to church and
it is a place where they feel comfortable and safe.
As we prepare to move, we do so with so many different emotions.
We are praying for the life of this church and community, trusting
that the Lord is preparing a way for an amazing person to come
and lead you in the next season of your life together. Please do
pray for us too over the next few months as we start new jobs, new
home, new school and new relationships.
All that is left for me to offer you is some words that were given to
the Thessalonians that feel right to share with you as one last
message of encouragement for the road ahead:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” and remember “The one
who calls you is faithful, and he will do it”.
A final, final note:
We want to thank you all so much for your generous send off to us
all. We have been so moved by the expression of love and kindness
this weekend, with lots of people turning out to say goodbye,
participate in the bring and share and the affection shown in the
generous gifts and kind words. Thank you to everyone who helped
organise and clear up the bring and share and to all who
contributed to the gifts. We are really touched.
Many blessings,
Lizzy and the Holland Family
