On Saturday 18 September members and friends of the fellowship from near and far gathered to appreciate and celebrate the 12 years of the Revd Seyan Tills’ ministry as the Minister of Walmer Baptist Church, as he reluctantly begins early ill-health retirement.
There was a busy programme introduced by Moderator, the Revd Helen Matthews, and co-hosted by member Mike Skelton, including many affectionate tributes to Seyan. There were musical items including a short organ recital, quite fitting as Seyan oversaw the refurbishment of the Organ. Mike interviewed Seyan, who also shared some of his memories of his ministry. Mike also put Seyan through his paces with a short 'Mastermind' quiz; special subject - Walmer Baptist Church.
Visiting friends included the SEBA moderator The Revd. Michael Fanstone who also spoke. Representing our ecumenical ties, The Revd. Canon Seth Cooper, our Vicar of Walmer, also spoke and gave the final blessing.
It was an occasion that was both joyful and sad. When Seyan chose our Church Text for this year neither he nor the rest of us knew what was to come. Now those words (from Jermaiah 29:11) seem prophetic and hopeful:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."