Nearly 50
people, including a coach party, travelled to Islington from St Paul’s. The
service was led by the Bishop of Stepney, the Right Revd Adrian Newman, who
also gave the address. In this he spoke of the way the message of Christ’s
resurrection gives meaning to the Christian, even in the face of the apparently
senseless.
Despite the
sadness, the service was an uplifting act of praise to the God that Jennifer
worshipped. The hymns included “And can it be that I should gain an interest in
the Saviour’s blood?” which Jennifer had long ago said that she wanted at her
funeral. Later, they discovered that Charles Wesley had written this hymn while
he was vicar of St Mary’s Islington, where they now served.
The tributes
spoke of Jennifer’s love for people, of her friendship, of her concern for the
underprivileged, of her faith and of her concern for social justice – not to
mention her love of a party! When Simon gave his tribute, every individual
there was moved.
There was a time
to get to know people from Jennifer’s different backgrounds, over cake and
Prosecco afterwards.
Jennifer, it was
a privilege to know you – and life on earth will be more boring without you.
Our prayers go out for Simon and their children.
