On Sunday 25th September, we said farewell to our Minister, Rev. Kevin White and his wife Angie. It was not only a day where we looked back on their time here at Spurgeon’s (Kevin began his ministry here in 2017), but was also a chance to reflect on and celebrate Kevin’s 35 years in full-time ministry as he enters retirement.

The day started with Kevin leading his last service with us as Minister (if you missed it you can catch up on Listen Again). Lesley, our Church Secretary, led the church’s thanks to both Kevin and Angie, remarking on the fact that they have been a solid team over Kevin’s 35 years, through times of celebration and times of challenge. More recently, this included adjusting to leading services in front of the camera during the Covid-19 pandemic, as we moved our services online.

In the evening, we held a Farewell Harvest Ploughman’s Tea with St Frideswide’s, with the Rev. Catherine Butt, vicar of St Frideswide’s, leading the proceedings and paying her thanks to Kevin for his role in the close cooperation of the two fellowships at Water Eaton Church Centre. Also present was Rev Lisa Kerry, the Team Leader Regional Minister from the Central Baptist Association, who thanked Kevin for all the work he has done within the Baptist Union over the years (top right). There were 100 of us in the Youth Hall to celebrate Harvest and it was a great atmosphere.

We wish Kevin and Angie every blessing for all that lies ahead, as they start a new phase of their lives. We also pray for the future of Spurgeon’s and its ministry, as the search for a new minister begins and the church enters its next chapter.